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Dalai Lama's Alleged Ties to Epstein Raise Eyebrows
New Epstein files mention the Tibetan spiritual leader hundreds of times, but his office denies any connection
Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:11am
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The latest tranche of Jeffrey Epstein's files has put the Dalai Lama in the spotlight, with the Tibetan religious leader's name mentioned hundreds of times in the newly-released documents. While the Dalai Lama's office has vehemently denied any connection to the disgraced pedophile, the files suggest Epstein was eager to connect with the spiritual leader and even mentions a claim that the two met in person at Epstein's Manhattan mansion. The revelations have raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the nature of the Dalai Lama's relationship with the notorious sex offender.
Why it matters
The potential connection between the Dalai Lama and Epstein is significant, as the Tibetan spiritual leader is widely revered and his image as a beacon of peace and compassion could be tarnished if the allegations are true. Additionally, the Dalai Lama's long-standing ties to the CIA and U.S. intelligence agencies, which have funded Tibetan separatist movements, add another layer of complexity to the story.
The details
The Epstein files contain numerous references to the Dalai Lama, with suggestions and allegations that the two maintained some kind of personal relationship. Epstein's emails show he worked to connect with the Dalai Lama, with the help of MIT Media Lab head Joichi Ito. Epstein even expressed excitement about the prospect of "reeling the lama into his personal network." Additionally, journalist Michael Wolff claimed he personally saw the Dalai Lama at Epstein's Manhattan residence. However, the Dalai Lama's office has denied any connection to Epstein, stating that the references in the files are "strictly third-party mentions" and do not establish any interaction between the two.
- The latest tranche of Epstein files was released in February 2026.
The players
Jeffrey Epstein
A disgraced American financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of sex trafficking and the sexual abuse of underage girls.
Dalai Lama
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a prominent figure who has been closely associated with the Tibetan independence movement, which has received funding and support from the CIA for decades.
Joichi Ito
The former head of the MIT Media Lab who helped Epstein connect with the Dalai Lama.
Michael Wolff
A journalist and Epstein associate who claimed to have personally seen the Dalai Lama at Epstein's Manhattan residence.
Tenzin Priyadarshi
A Tibetan monk, MIT's Buddhist chaplain, and a close contact of Joichi Ito who had a direct line to the Dalai Lama.
What’s next
With Epstein dead and no more files scheduled to be released, it is likely that the full truth about the Dalai Lama's alleged ties to the disgraced financier may never be known.
The takeaway
The potential connection between the Dalai Lama and Jeffrey Epstein has raised serious questions about the spiritual leader's integrity and the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that surrounded the notorious sex offender. The revelations have the potential to tarnish the Dalai Lama's image and undermine the Tibetan independence movement's credibility, given the Dalai Lama's long-standing ties to U.S. intelligence agencies.
