Schools Cancel Class Pictures After Epstein Rumors

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Several school districts in the U.S. have canceled student class picture plans after widespread social media posts linked Lifetouch, the photography company that photographs millions of students each year, to billionaire investor Leon Black, who had ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Both Lifetouch and Apollo Global Management, the investment firm that owns Lifetouch, have denied any connection between the company and Epstein.

Why it matters

The cancellations highlight the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, with parents and schools wary of any potential connections to the disgraced financier. The situation also raises questions about how much personal information school photography companies collect on students.

The details

The disruption to school picture plans began after online posts linked Lifetouch to Apollo Global Management, whose former CEO Leon Black had regular contact with Epstein and was advised by him on financial matters. However, both Lifetouch and Apollo have stated that neither Black nor any Apollo directors or investors ever had access to Lifetouch photos, and that no Lifetouch executives had any relationship with Epstein.

• In September 2019, funds managed by Apollo bought Lifetouch's parent company Shutterfly in a $2.7 billion deal.
• This was a month after Epstein's death by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

What’s next

The review of documents related to Epstein's activities is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if any further connections between Lifetouch, Apollo, or other entities emerge.