Schools Cancel Class Pictures Over Epstein Rumors

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Some school districts in the U.S. have canceled class picture plans after widespread social media posts linked Lifetouch, the photography company that takes millions of student photos each year, to billionaire investor Leon Black, who had ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lifetouch and its parent company Apollo Global Management have denied any connection between the photography business and Epstein.

Why it matters

The rumors have caused disruption to a common school tradition, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation online and the impact it can have on school operations and student activities. The situation also highlights the lingering public scrutiny over Epstein's connections to wealthy and powerful individuals.

The details

Lifetouch CEO Ken Murphy stated in an Instagram post that neither Black nor any of Apollo's directors or investors ever had access to Lifetouch photos. Apollo's $2.7 billion acquisition of Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly closed in September 2019, a month after Epstein's death. Both Lifetouch and Apollo have denied any connection between the photography business and Epstein.

• The disruption to school picture plans began after online posts linked Lifetouch to Apollo Global Management and its former CEO Leon Black, who had ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Apollo's $2.7 billion acquisition of Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly closed in September 2019, a month after Epstein's death.

What they’re saying