Professors Linked to Convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein

Revelations raise questions about academics' associations with disgraced financier

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Recent revelations have shed light on the connections between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and several prominent professors, including renowned linguist Noam Chomsky. The report examines how Epstein, a wealthy financier with a history of sexual abuse, cultivated relationships with academics and used his resources to gain their trust and association, despite his criminal past. The story explores the ethical dilemmas faced by intellectuals who became entangled with Epstein, and the broader implications of the case regarding the influence of money and power within academia.

Why it matters

The Epstein case highlights the troubling intersection of wealth, privilege, and academia, raising questions about the susceptibility of even renowned scholars to the allure of money and status. It underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability within intellectual circles when it comes to associations with individuals accused of serious crimes.

The details

According to reports, Epstein began cultivating relationships with professors, mathematicians, and other academics, offering them gifts, invitations to seminars, and luxury accommodations at his various properties. This included renowned linguist Noam Chomsky, who acknowledged accepting Epstein's financial support and hospitality, even writing a letter in support of Epstein in 2019 after his second arrest. The revelations have prompted questions about how much Chomsky and others knew about Epstein's criminal history, and whether they turned a blind eye to his misdeeds in exchange for the benefits he provided.

  • Epstein was first arrested in 2008 and again in 2019 on sex trafficking charges.
  • Chomsky wrote a letter in support of Epstein in February 2019, shortly after Epstein's second arrest.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender and wealthy financier who cultivated relationships with numerous professors and academics, offering them gifts, travel, and other benefits.

Noam Chomsky

A renowned linguist and political dissident who acknowledged accepting financial support and hospitality from Epstein, and even wrote a letter in support of him in 2019 after his second arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Epstein created a manipulative narrative about his case, which Noam, in good faith, believed in. It is now clear that it was all orchestrated, having as, at least, one of Epstein's intentions to try to have someone like Noam repairing Epstein's reputation by association.”

— Valeria Chomsky, Noam Chomsky's wife (Undisclosed)

“Noam's criticism was never directed at the women's movement; on the contrary, he has always supported gender equity and women's rights. What happened was that Epstein took advantage of Noam's public criticism towards what came to be known as 'cancel culture' to [falsely] present himself as a victim of it.”

— Valeria Chomsky, Noam Chomsky's wife (Undisclosed)

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Epstein's connections within academia, and whether any other professors or researchers were complicit in or aware of his criminal activities.

The takeaway

The Epstein case underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability within intellectual circles when it comes to associations with individuals accused of serious crimes. It highlights the susceptibility of even renowned scholars to the allure of money and status, and the ethical dilemmas that can arise when academia intersects with wealth and power.