France’s former culture and education minister, Jack Lang, and his film-producing daughter, Caroline Lang, have been named in the latest batch of files released concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports from Monday. Lang, 86, who currently presides over the Arab World Institute in Paris, stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities when the two became acquainted several years ago.
Reports from French daily Le Monde indicated that Lang utilized Epstein’s resources, including requesting access to his vehicles or aircraft for himself or his family members. Lang confirmed meeting Epstein approximately fifteen years ago through US film director Woody Allen, expressing shock upon discovering the extent of Epstein's crimes.
Furthermore, the investigative website Mediapart reported that Caroline Lang was a co-founder of a US Virgin Islands-based company established by Epstein in 2016, with her holding a fifty percent stake. Caroline Lang met Epstein via Allen and his wife in 2012, telling Mediapart that Epstein expressed interest in investing in young French artists.
Caroline Lang stated that Epstein’s lawyers established the entity, Prytanee LLC, but she claimed she invested no capital, contributing instead her knowledge of the art world, according to Mediapart. She later acknowledged being "incredibly naive" regarding her association with the financier.
Following the revelations, Caroline Lang announced her resignation as the head of France’s Independent Production Union (SPI), an organization she had only led for three weeks. She cited a desire to prevent the situation from negatively impacting the union’s operations.
Separately, French conductor Frédéric Chaslin, also named in the documents, refuted insinuations regarding a 2013 email where he mentioned finding a “formidable girl” for Epstein. Chaslin clarified on Facebook that he was recommending an interpreter for museum visits, not an associate for illicit purposes.
The broader context involves the ongoing public release of documents related to Epstein’s network, which has implicated numerous high-profile international figures across finance, politics, and entertainment. The disclosures continue to test the professional standing of those connected to the convicted sex offender.
These ongoing disclosures underscore the persistent geopolitical and reputational challenges associated with the financial and social circles frequented by Epstein. Attention will now focus on whether further scrutiny will impact cultural and political institutions in France connected to Lang.
