French financial prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into Jack Lang, the nation’s former Culture Minister, concerning his associations with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The probe centers on allegations of “laundering of tax fraud proceeds.”
Lang, an 86-year-old prominent socialist figure who held ministerial positions in the 1980s and 2000s, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as “baseless.” The investigation follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s disclosure of extensive court documents related to Epstein, which reference Lang and his family approximately 700 times.
In response to the mounting pressure, Lang has offered to resign from his position as president of the Arab World Institute, a Paris-based organization dedicated to fostering Franco-Arab cultural relations. In a correspondence to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Lang stated his intention to formally submit his resignation at the upcoming board meeting. Barrot has acknowledged the offer and commenced the search for a successor.
The investigation also encompasses Lang’s daughter, Caroline, aged 64, who recently stepped down as head of a French film producers’ union. While the released files document financial and social interactions between the Lang family and Epstein, they do not suggest involvement in his sexual crimes.
Lang maintains that his encounters with Epstein occurred roughly 15 years ago, facilitated by an introduction from filmmaker Woody Allen. He described Epstein as “passionate about art, culture and cinema,” claiming ignorance of his criminal activities at the time. Documents revealed by French media indicate Lang solicited various favors from Epstein, including the use of his private plane and car.
Caroline Lang acknowledged meeting Epstein in 2012 regarding a proposed art investment venture, admitting to being “incredibly naive” about his intentions. The U.S. financier died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.