- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Clifton Today
By the People, for the People
Lifetouch Photo Company Faces Backlash Over Epstein Ties
Parents demand schools drop Lifetouch after former executive's connection to Epstein files
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Lifetouch, a major school photography company that contracts with thousands of public schools nationwide, is facing backlash after a former executive linked to its parent company was mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Parents are calling on school districts to cut ties with Lifetouch, and some districts like Clifton Public Schools in New Jersey are reviewing their contracts with the company.
Why it matters
The revelations about Lifetouch's connection to the Epstein scandal have raised concerns among parents about the safety and privacy of student photos, especially given Lifetouch's widespread use in schools across the country. This has sparked a wave of petitions and calls for investigations into whether any student images were accessed or misused.
The details
Lifetouch is owned by photo company Shutterfly, which is in turn owned by Apollo Global Management. Leon Black, the former CEO and chairman of Apollo, was mentioned in the Epstein files after reportedly paying the late sex offender millions of dollars. Lifetouch has denied that any student photos were ever at risk or accessed by those connected to Epstein, but the company's ties to the scandal have alarmed many parents.
- In 2021, Leon Black resigned as CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management after revelations about his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The recent release of the Epstein files has provided new details about Black's relationship with the late sex offender.
The players
Lifetouch
A Minnesota-based company that is one of the nation's largest school photo providers, contracting with thousands of public schools nationwide.
Apollo Global Management
The private equity firm that owns Shutterfly, the parent company of Lifetouch.
Leon Black
The former CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management, who was mentioned in the Epstein files after reportedly paying the late sex offender millions of dollars.
Clifton Public Schools
One of the largest school districts in New Jersey that is reviewing its contract with Lifetouch due to the company's connection to the Epstein scandal.
What they’re saying
“'When Lifetouch photographers take your student's picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions.'”
— Ken Murphy, Lifetouch Group CEO (Lifetouch statement)
What’s next
Clifton Public Schools and other districts are expected to meet with Lifetouch officials in the coming weeks to discuss the company's ties to the Epstein scandal and determine whether to continue their contracts.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of scrutinizing the business relationships and ethical conduct of companies that are entrusted with sensitive information about students. The Lifetouch controversy underscores the need for schools to carefully vet their vendors and prioritize the privacy and safety of student data.
