Schools Cancel Picture Days Over Epstein-Lifetouch Rumors

Unverified social media claims prompt districts to postpone student photo sessions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Several U.S. school districts have canceled or postponed student picture days following social media posts linking photography company Lifetouch to billionaire Leon Black, who had ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lifetouch and Apollo Global Management, which acquired Lifetouch's parent company in 2019, have denied any connection between Epstein and the student photo service.

Why it matters

The swift reaction from school districts highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case and the potential for reputational risk, even based on unverified claims circulating on social media. This incident raises questions about how school communities respond to allegations, even when evidence is lacking.

The details

Concerns arose after online posts connected Lifetouch, which photographs millions of students annually, to Apollo Global Management. Leon Black, who led Apollo in 2019 when the firm acquired Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly, had a professional relationship with Epstein. Both Lifetouch and Apollo have stated that neither Black nor any Apollo representatives had access to Lifetouch photos, and a review of Epstein investigation documents has not revealed any evidence of Epstein or his associates accessing Lifetouch photos.

  • In September 2019, Apollo Global Management closed a $2.7 billion deal to acquire Shutterfly, Lifetouch's parent company.
  • In March 2021, Leon Black stepped down as Apollo's CEO, citing a desire to focus on personal matters.

The players

Lifetouch

An American photography company that photographs millions of students annually.

Leon Black

A former CEO of Apollo Global Management who had a professional relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Apollo Global Management

A private equity firm that acquired Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“No Lifetouch executives have ever had any relationship or contact with Epstein and we have never shared student images with any third party, including Apollo.”

— Lifetouch, Company statement

“Apollo's funds have no role in Lifetouch's operations and no access to student images.”

— Apollo Global Management, Company statement

What’s next

A review of over 1.7 million documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice has not revealed any evidence of Epstein or his associates accessing Lifetouch photos. Given the sensitivity surrounding these claims, it remains to be seen whether other school districts will reconsider their contracts with Lifetouch.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the power of unverified social media claims to disrupt school operations, even in the absence of concrete evidence. It underscores the need for school communities to carefully evaluate allegations and their potential impact before taking action that could deprive students of important experiences.