Schools Cancel Lifetouch Picture Day Over Epstein Ties

Parents raise student privacy concerns linked to Apollo Global's acquisition of Lifetouch's parent company

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Schools across the country have canceled or postponed Lifetouch school picture day events after a viral wave of concern over the company's indirect corporate ties to billionaire Jeffrey Epstein through Apollo Global Management's acquisition of Lifetouch's parent company, Shutterfly. Parents have expressed fears that student photos and personal data could be at risk, despite Lifetouch's assurances that no Epstein associates have ever accessed their databases.

Why it matters

The Lifetouch situation highlights growing concerns among parents about student data privacy and the potential misuse of student information, even through distant corporate connections. It also reflects the lasting impact of the Epstein scandal and the public's distrust of companies and individuals associated with him, even tangentially.

The details

Lifetouch, the country's largest school photography company, is a subsidiary of Shutterfly, which was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2019. Apollo co-founder Leon Black had extensive financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, paying him over $158 million between 2012 and 2017. While Black has since left Apollo and the company's internal review cleared him of involvement in Epstein's crimes, parents are not convinced their children's data is safe. Schools in Utah, New Jersey, Arizona, Texas, and California have responded by canceling or postponing Lifetouch picture day events, despite the company's assurances that no Epstein associates have ever accessed student photos or data.

  • In 2019, Apollo Global Management acquired Shutterfly, Lifetouch's parent company.
  • Between 2012 and 2017, Apollo co-founder Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein over $158 million.
  • In 2021, Leon Black stepped down as CEO and chairman of Apollo amid scrutiny over his ties to Epstein.
  • In February 2026, schools across the country began canceling or postponing Lifetouch picture day events.

The players

Lifetouch

The country's largest school photography company, which captures portraits of millions of students annually.

Shutterfly

The parent company of Lifetouch, which was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2019.

Apollo Global Management

A private equity firm that acquired Shutterfly in 2019. Apollo co-founder Leon Black had extensive financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.

Leon Black

The co-founder of Apollo Global Management, who paid Jeffrey Epstein over $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for purported tax, estate, and philanthropic advice.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex crimes involving minors in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that our students' privacy and safety are protected. The Lifetouch-Epstein connection is deeply concerning, and we will not take any risks with our children's data.”

— Parent (Social media)

“Lifetouch's sole purpose for student images is to support school records and allow parental purchases of prints. No Apollo executives, board members, or investors, past or present, have ever accessed those photos for any reason.”

— Ken Murphy, Lifetouch CEO (Company statement)

What’s next

Schools are reviewing their privacy agreements with Lifetouch and offering opt-outs for yearbook photos as they continue to investigate the potential risks to student data.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the lasting impact of the Epstein scandal and the public's distrust of companies and individuals associated with him, even tangentially. It also reflects growing concerns among parents about student data privacy and the potential misuse of student information through corporate connections.