Noam Chomsky's Wife Admits 'Serious Errors in Judgment' Over Epstein Ties

Valeria Chomsky says she and her husband were naive and unaware of Epstein's crimes when they met him.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Valeria Chomsky, the wife of renowned linguist and activist Noam Chomsky, has acknowledged 'serious errors in judgment' in their relationship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Valeria says she and her husband were unaware of Epstein's criminal history when they first met him in 2015, and that Epstein manipulated them into a friendly but professional relationship, including visiting his properties. She says Noam Chomsky later advised Epstein on how to rehabilitate his public image, but that this was done in good faith based on Epstein's false claims of being unfairly persecuted.

Why it matters

The revelation of Noam Chomsky's ties to Jeffrey Epstein has shocked many of Chomsky's admirers, who see it as a betrayal of his longstanding criticism of the political and media establishment. This case highlights how even prominent intellectuals can be manipulated by wealthy and powerful individuals seeking to repair their reputations.

The details

According to Valeria Chomsky, she and her husband first met Epstein in 2015 and were unaware at the time of his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Epstein presented himself as a philanthropist supporting science, and began corresponding with Noam Chomsky. The Chomskys visited Epstein's properties a few times, but say there were no children or underage individuals present. In 2019, Epstein reached out to Noam Chomsky, lamenting his 'putrid' reputation, and Chomsky advised him to ignore the 'horrible way' he was being treated by the media. Valeria says this was done in good faith, as Epstein had claimed to Noam that he was being unfairly persecuted.

  • Noam and Valeria Chomsky first met Jeffrey Epstein in 2015.
  • In 2019, months before Epstein's arrest, he exchanged emails with Noam Chomsky about repairing his reputation.
  • Noam Chomsky suffered a stroke in 2023 and is now 'confronting significant health challenges' at age 97.

The players

Noam Chomsky

A renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist who is considered one of the most important intellectuals of our time.

Valeria Chomsky

The wife of Noam Chomsky, who is acknowledging 'serious errors in judgment' in their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl in 2008 and later arrested on sex trafficking charges before dying by suicide in jail.

Vijay Prashad

A writer who has co-authored books with Noam Chomsky, and who has expressed disgust over Chomsky's friendship with Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Noam and I recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and the profound suffering of his victims. Nothing in this statement is intended to minimize that suffering, and we express our unrestricted solidarity with the victims.”

— Valeria Chomsky (The Associated Press)

“I am disgusted by Epstein's pedophilia, and so by Noam's friendship with him.”

— Vijay Prashad, Author (Letter)

What’s next

Noam Chomsky's health challenges at age 97 raise questions about the future of his legacy and work, as well as the ongoing fallout from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The takeaway

This case highlights how even prominent intellectuals can be manipulated by wealthy and powerful individuals seeking to repair their reputations, and underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting one's associations, even with those who present themselves as philanthropists or experts.