Epstein Scandal Expands in Europe: New Documents Link Prominent French Figures

The release of approximately 3 million pages of emails related to convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein has sparked significant concern in France. Documents published by the U.S. Department of Justice highlight a broad network linking Epstein to prominent figures in politics, culture, and the arts, prompting inquiries into these individuals' awareness of the crimes associated with him.

Influential Businessman Despite Criminal Record

During the 2010s, Epstein solidified his status as a wealthy businessman on Wall Street, forming close ties with notable figures in technology and entrepreneurship. Despite his 2008 conviction for running a prostitution ring involving minors in Florida, where the FBI identified 33 victims, some as young as 14, he received a reduced sentence of only 18 months in prison. Following his release, he resumed social activities, drawing influential personalities into his circle.

Conductor at the Center of Controversy

The emails revealed multiple meetings between Epstein and French conductor Frédéric Chaslin from 2013 to 2019 in cities including Paris and New York. One letter indicated that Chaslin discussed a "philosophy student" aged 21 whom he suggested accompany Epstein during a visit to Paris. Chaslin later denied this, claiming she was a translator for cultural tours and that interpretations circulating on social media were misleading.

Notable Political Figures Mentioned

The name of former French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire also appeared in the correspondence, though without direct contact with Epstein. The documents indicated that a former diplomatic advisor at the Élysée had attempted to arrange a meeting for fundraising purposes. Le Maire stated he left the meeting shortly after learning Epstein's identity, while the advisor confirmed the encounter was brief and lasted no more than ten minutes.

Social Invitations Raise Questions

The documents included correspondence with mathematician and former deputy Cédric Villani, who received an invitation from Epstein for a meeting in Paris, later asserting that he was unaware of the host's identity before attending.

Connections in the Arts and Controversial Financial Transactions

In the film industry, the documents revealed a meeting between Epstein and French director Michel Hazanavicius in 2012, during which a meeting with American director Woody Allen was proposed. The correspondence also included a request from Epstein to Hazanavicius to find a young woman to accompany him to a film screening in Paris, a request that Hazanavicius confirmed he ignored.

Financial Ties Between the Lang Family and Epstein

The documents indicated a closer relationship between Epstein and former French Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline, with an offshore company established in 2016 in the U.S. Virgin Islands to purchase artworks valued at $1.4 million, fully financed by Epstein, with Caroline holding half the shares. Caroline confirmed she was unaware of Epstein's past dealings, stating he told her he had moved beyond that phase.

Ongoing Political and Cultural Controversy Despite Lack of Direct Evidence

Meetings between the Lang family and Epstein continued until just months before his arrest in 2019, igniting criticism within French cultural and political circles. This led Caroline Lang to resign from her position in the independent production union, while her father retained his role as president of the Arab World Institute.

Documents Raise Suspicions Without New Criminal Evidence

Although the released documents do not provide direct evidence of the involvement of the mentioned personalities in Epstein's crimes, they shed light on his complex network of relationships and raise new questions about the knowledge and accountability of elites associated with one of the largest sexual and financial scandals of modern times.