Schools Cancel Class Pictures Over Epstein Concerns

Lifetouch photography company denies any connection to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Several school districts in the U.S. have canceled class picture plans after widespread social media posts linked the photography company Lifetouch to billionaire Leon Black, who had ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lifetouch and its parent company Apollo Global Management have denied any relationship between Epstein and the photography business, but some parents remain concerned about the data Lifetouch collects on students.

Why it matters

The cancellations highlight the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, as revelations about his connections to prominent figures continue to impact various industries and institutions. This incident raises questions about student privacy and the role of large corporations in school operations.

The details

After online posts connected Lifetouch to Apollo Global Management, whose former CEO Leon Black had ties to Epstein, several school districts in Texas and Arizona canceled student picture days. Lifetouch and Apollo have denied any direct relationship between the photography company and Epstein, but some parents remain worried about the personal data Lifetouch collects on students.

  • In September 2019, funds managed by Apollo bought Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly, a month after Epstein's death.
  • In March 2021, Leon Black stepped down as Apollo's CEO, citing a desire to focus on his family, health, and other interests.

The players

Lifetouch

A photography company that photographs millions of students each year.

Apollo Global Management

An investment firm that bought Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly in 2019.

Leon Black

The former CEO of Apollo Global Management, who had regular contact with Jeffrey Epstein and was advised by him on financial matters.

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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 (wbal.com)

“Whenever you order the pictures, it has their name. It has the age, of course. It has their grade, their teacher, the school that they're in.”

— MaKallie Gann, Parent (wbal.com)

What’s next

Schools are reviewing their options for student picture day in the 2026-2027 school year as they aim to address parent concerns.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lasting impact of the Epstein scandal and the need for schools to carefully evaluate their partnerships with large corporations in order to protect student privacy and maintain public trust.