French financial crime prosecutors have initiated a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist administrations from the 1980s to the early 2000s, is under investigation for allegedly laundering proceeds from tax fraud.
This inquiry follows the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which detail ties between the Lang family and the late American sex offender. Now 86, Lang firmly denies any wrongdoing and characterizes the allegations as “baseless.” He expressed confidence that the investigation will clarify the accusations that challenge his integrity and honor.
In response to the inquiry, Lang has offered to resign from his position as head of the Arab World Institute, an organization dedicated to fostering cooperation and exchanges between France and Arab nations. In a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, which AFP has reviewed, Lang indicated he would formally submit his resignation at the upcoming board meeting.
Despite being named nearly 700 times in the Epstein files, Lang previously resisted calls to resign. Barrot, who arranged discussions with Lang on Sunday, acknowledged the resignation offer and intends to begin the search for a successor.
Caroline Lang, Lang’s 64-year-old daughter, is also under investigation. Earlier this week, she stepped down from her role as head of a French film producers’ union. On Tuesday, Lang told broadcaster BFMTV that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities during their meeting approximately 15 years ago; Epstein had been convicted in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Lang, who served as culture minister from 1981 to 1993 and later as minister of education, stated that actor-director Woody Allen introduced him to Epstein. He described Epstein as “passionate about art, culture, and cinema.”
In a separate interview with RTL radio, Lang characterized Epstein as “generous” and “courteous,” adding, “When I meet people, I don’t ask to see their criminal record.” However, details emerging from the Epstein files, as reported by French media, indicate that Lang sought funds or favors from Epstein multiple times, including the use of Epstein’s car and private plane for his family.
Caroline Lang recounted to French news website Mediapart that she met Epstein in 2012, when he expressed interest in “investing in young French and international artists.” She mentioned that Epstein’s lawyers established a company, Prytanee LLC, in the US Virgin Islands, with her receiving half of the shares; however, she clarified that she did not invest in it or receive any funds. An email within the Epstein files suggested she contributed her expertise in art, a claim she described as stemming from her “incredibly naive” approach.
Resigning from her position within the Independent Production Union, she stated, “I do not want this situation to in any way harm the union.” Importantly, the files do not implicate either Lang or his daughter in Epstein’s sexual crimes.
The latest release of Epstein files by the US government, encompassing millions of documents, includes the names of numerous affluent and influential individuals worldwide. Mention in these files does not equate to wrongdoing. Epstein passed away in prison in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
