Paris – Jack Lang, a former French culture minister, has resigned from his position as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following a tax fraud investigation linked to his past financial connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation comes amid growing scrutiny of prominent figures and their ties to Epstein following the release of court documents on January 30.
Lang, 86, submitted his resignation on Saturday evening, according to reports, after being summoned to appear at the French Foreign Ministry on Sunday. His lawyer, Laurent Merlet, stated that Lang “is very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves,” but that he prioritized the interests of the institute. Merlet likewise said Lang denies the allegations and considers them inaccurate.
The French financial prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, on suspicion of “aggravated tax fraud laundering.” The investigation was prompted by a report from the French investigative news website Mediapart, which detailed alleged financial and business ties between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to the report, Jack Lang’s name appeared more than 600 times in the Epstein files, documenting correspondence between 2012 and 2019. His daughter, Caroline Lang, was also mentioned in the released documents. She reportedly was to inherit $5 million in Epstein’s will, though she has stated she was unaware of the provision and that the offshore fund was intended to support emerging artists.
Lang previously acknowledged financial ties to Epstein in a 2020 interview, but the latest revelations have intensified pressure on the former minister. The case highlights the far-reaching consequences of the Epstein scandal and its impact on individuals across various sectors.
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed Lang’s resignation and has begun the process of finding a replacement. Lang served as culture minister under Socialist President François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s and was a prominent figure in French politics for decades. This move underscores the sensitivity surrounding associations with Epstein and the potential for reputational damage.
Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had extensive connections to powerful individuals in politics, business, and entertainment. The recent release of court documents has triggered investigations and resignations in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, where a chief of staff recently resigned over ties to Epstein. More details on the resignation can be found here.
Lang shared his resignation letter with POLITICO, stating in the letter that the accusations against him were inaccurate and he would prove it.
