Emails Reveal Epstein's Influence on Excluding Women from STEM

Files show how the disgraced financier pushed to keep women out of elite scientific circles

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A trove of emails released by the Department of Justice reveals how Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier, used his power and money to keep women out of elite scientific circles. The emails show Epstein pushing to exclude women from exclusive retreats and conferences, and scientists making derogatory comments about women's intelligence and capabilities. The revelations have left many women in STEM feeling demoralized and questioning whether their ideas and contributions will be taken seriously.

Why it matters

The emails shed light on the systemic sexism and misogyny that still pervades the highest levels of the scientific community, despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. They highlight how the exclusion of women from influential networks and funding opportunities can have significant professional consequences, making it harder for women to advance in their careers and have their work recognized.

The details

The emails show Epstein pushing literary agent John Brockman to exclude two women from an exclusive retreat, saying "the women are all weak, and a distraction sorry." Other scientists, like Roger Schank and Larry Summers, made derogatory comments about women's intelligence and focus. The emails also reveal how Epstein used his connections and funding to support the work of male scientists, while excluding women from these opportunities.

  • In 2018, Epstein emailed Brockman about excluding women from an exclusive retreat.
  • In 2017, Larry Summers made a joke about women possessing half the world's IQ.
  • In 2016, Epstein and Jeremy Rubin discussed whether there are any games where women outperform men.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who used his power and money to influence the scientific community and exclude women.

John Brockman

A prominent New York literary agent who frequently hosted exclusive retreats for scientists and academics.

Roger Schank

An AI researcher and theorist who suggested that women are less likely to be brilliant due to their focus on the thoughts and feelings of others.

Larry Summers

The former president of Harvard University who made controversial comments about the lack of women in STEM fields due to higher variability in men's intelligence.

Jeremy Rubin

A bitcoin developer and MIT researcher who discussed with Epstein whether there are any games where women outperform men.

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What they’re saying

“John, the old conferences did not care about diversity. I suggest you not either. The women are all weak, and a distraction sorry.”

— Jeffrey Epstein

“Me-Too is not going away; it's growing, it's all-pervasive and we're now in a McCarthy-ism moment on steroids.”

— John Brockman

“It's the tail of distribution , no really smart women – none.”

— Jeffrey Epstein

“Half the IQ In world was possessed by women without mentioning they are more than 51 percent of population.”

— Larry Summers, Former President of Harvard University

“Unless women are inherently inferior to the maximally talented man at all tasks ;).”

— Jeremy Rubin, Bitcoin Developer and MIT Researcher

What’s next

The University of Massachusetts is reviewing the conduct of neuroscientist Lauren Aulet, who was shocked by the blatant misogyny revealed in the emails. Yale University has also placed computer scientist David Gelernter on leave while they investigate his interactions with Epstein.

The takeaway

The emails expose the deep-rooted sexism and exclusion of women that still pervades the highest levels of the scientific community, despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. This systemic bias has real consequences for women's careers and the recognition of their work, underscoring the urgent need for meaningful change to address these longstanding issues.