04.02.2026 21:34
As the Epstein files sparked global reactions, a statement from France ignited debates. Former Culture Minister Jack Lang's description of Jeffrey Epstein, who is associated with allegations of sexual abuse and a prostitution network, as "charming and passionate about art" provoked significant public backlash.
Former French Minister of Culture Jack Lang sparked controversy with his statements about American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was found dead in prison while awaiting trial on charges of sexual abuse and a prostitution network. Lang described Epstein as "an attractive man passionate about art."
WOODY ALLEN INTRODUCED HIM
In a program on the French television channel BFMTV, Lang answered questions about his relationship with Epstein. Stating that he met Epstein about 15 years ago, Lang said this introduction happened through American director Woody Allen.
"HE WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT ART AND CULTURE"
Lang, who claimed he had no negative information about Epstein at that time, used the following expressions: "I knew nothing about him. I discovered that he was a man passionate about art, culture, and cinema." Lang also noted that Epstein frequently came to Paris to follow exhibitions, films, and shows.
"HE WAS NOT MY FRIEND, HE WAS AN ACQUAINTANCE"
Emphasizing that he never saw Epstein as a "friend," Lang described him only as an "acquaintance": "Friendship is something more sacred to me. He was not my friend."
Lang claimed he was unaware of Epstein's past convictions, saying, "What wrong did I do? I am pure. I do not regret having known the first Epstein I told you about."
EPSTEIN'S DOCUMENTS MENTION HIS NAME OVER 600 TIMES
Jack Lang's name appears more than 600 times in the documents published as part of the Epstein files. According to the documents, Lang suggested various cultural trips to Epstein in Paris, while Epstein allocated a plane for Lang's trip to Morocco in April 2017.
Some emails also show that Lang asked Epstein questions regarding children's religious and sexuality education.
PHOTO IN FRONT OF THE LOUVRE
It was revealed that in a message Epstein sent in March 2019 to former U.S. President Donald Trump's advisor Steve Bannon, there was also a photo taken alongside Jack Lang in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris.
LANG: "I NEVER CONSIDERED RESIGNING"
Lang, who is still the president of the Arab World Institute (IMA), stated that he never considered resigning for even a moment after these developments. He claimed that he severed all ties with Epstein from the moment he learned about his crimes.
LANG'S DAUGHTER CAROLINE LANG IS ALSO MENTIONED IN THE FILE
The French news site Mediapart revealed that Jack Lang's daughter Caroline Lang's name is also mentioned in the documents related to Epstein.
According to the news, half of the shares of a company Epstein established in 2016 in the U.S. Virgin Islands belonged to Caroline Lang. Caroline Lang, whose name appears over 900 times in the documents, resigned from her position as secretary-general of the Independent Producers Union (SPI) after this information came to light.
REACTIONS ARE RISING IN FRANCE
Clémence Guetté, Vice President of the French National Assembly and LFI deputy, reacted to the silence regarding the crimes in the Epstein files.
The founder of LFI, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, stated, "It seems that Epstein poses no problem for either the French press or the judiciary. The victims do not deserve this."