School Photo Days Canceled Amid Epstein Rumors About Photo Company

Lifetouch faces investigations over unsubstantiated claims about former owner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Several school districts across the country have announced investigations into the popular school photography company Lifetouch due to unsubstantiated online rumors suggesting the company's former indirect owner, Leon Black, may have had inappropriate access to student photos. While Lifetouch has denied any wrongdoing, some schools have canceled upcoming school photo days out of an abundance of caution.

Why it matters

The allegations, if true, would raise serious concerns about the privacy and safety of students whose photos were taken by Lifetouch. However, the claims remain unsubstantiated, and Lifetouch has stated that no past or present leadership had access to student images. The investigations highlight the need for thorough vetting of vendors and transparency around data privacy practices in schools.

The details

Several school districts, including Clifton Public Schools in New Jersey and Alisal Union School District in California, have launched investigations into Lifetouch after online rumors surfaced about the company's former indirect owner, Leon Black, who was associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management, which owns Lifetouch, in 2021 following an investigation into his financial ties to Epstein. While Lifetouch has denied any wrongdoing and stated that no one with ties to the company had access to student photos, some schools have canceled upcoming photo days as a precaution.

  • On Wednesday, Clifton Public Schools and Alisal Union School District announced investigations into Lifetouch.
  • On Tuesday, Prescott Valley Charter School in Arizona canceled its upcoming school photo days.

The players

Lifetouch

A major school photography company that has faced allegations of potential ties to Jeffrey Epstein through its former indirect owner, Leon Black.

Leon Black

The former CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management, which owns Lifetouch. Black has faced scrutiny over his financial ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Clifton Public Schools

One of New Jersey's largest school districts that has launched an investigation into Lifetouch.

Alisal Union School District

A school district in Salinas, California that has called the rumors about Lifetouch "disturbing" and said the issue "deserves immediate attention."

Prescott Valley Charter School

A charter school in Arizona that has canceled its upcoming school photo days "out of an abundance of caution."

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What they’re saying

“At this time, no evidence has been presented indicating misconduct involving Lifetouch's operations within our schools or any compromise of student information. Nevertheless, we believe it is appropriate to review the matter carefully and transparently.”

— Clifton Public Schools (Letter to parents)

“While we do not have any information indicating a direct impact on our school or our students, our highest responsibility is always the safety, security, and trust of our families.”

— Prescott Valley Charter School (Announcement to parents)

“The District takes parents' concerns very seriously and we stand ready to address questions and receive comments from parents, about this and any other issue.”

— Alisal Union School District, Superintendent (Letter to parents)

“When Lifetouch photographers take your student's picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions.”

— Lifetouch, Company spokesperson (Statement)

“Additionally, as part of our decades long relationship with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Lifetouch prints SmileSafe cards free of charge for each student we photograph that families can use with law enforcement if a child goes missing.”

— Lifetouch, CEO Ken Murphy (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.