Jeffrey Epstein Proposed 'Statutory' Art Exhibit Featuring Minors

The convicted sex offender pitched the controversial exhibit just months after his release from jail.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In a 2009 email, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein offered to fund an art exhibit called "Statutory" that would feature "girls and boys ages 14-25" who "look nothing like their true ages" through the use of makeup or photo editing. Epstein sent the email to David Ross, the former director of the Whitney art museum in New York, just two months after being released from incarceration for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Why it matters

Epstein's proposal for an exhibit sexualizing minors raises serious concerns about his continued efforts to exploit and objectify young people, even after serving time in jail for sex crimes. The email exchange also highlights Epstein's connections to influential figures in the art world and his attempts to leverage those relationships.

The details

In the email, Epstein acknowledged that the proposed exhibit would be "controversial" but also "fun." He suggested the exhibit could be a "web page, with hits, tallied" to generate public interest. The former Whitney director, David Ross, responded that the exhibit would be "[p]owerful" and "freaky." Epstein never ended up following through on the exhibit, but the email provides a disturbing glimpse into his mindset and continued efforts to sexualize minors even after his conviction.

  • Epstein sent the email on October 1, 2009, just two months after being released from incarceration in Palm Beach for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who proposed the controversial "Statutory" art exhibit featuring minors.

David Ross

The former director of the Whitney art museum in New York, who Epstein emailed about the proposed exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“I might want to fund an exhibition entitled statutory. girls and boys ages 14 - 25. where they look nothing like their true ages.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (people.com)

“Some people go to prison because they can't tell true age.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (people.com)

“Maybe it should be a web page, with hits, tallied.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (people.com)

“Powerful”

— David Ross, Former director, Whitney art museum (people.com)

“Freaky”

— David Ross, Former director, Whitney art museum (people.com)

The takeaway

Epstein's proposal for an exhibit sexualizing minors, even after his conviction for sex crimes, underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable young people. This case highlights the importance of scrutinizing the connections between powerful individuals and influential institutions, and ensuring that those with a history of predatory behavior are held fully accountable.