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Former French Culture Minister Resigns Over Epstein Financial Ties
Jack Lang, a prominent figure in French politics and culture, has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following allegations of financial connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 86-year-old’s departure comes amid a tax fraud investigation launched by French authorities.
The resignation marks a dramatic fall for Lang, who served as France’s Culture Minister under Socialist President François Mitterrand during the 1980s and 1990s. During his tenure, Lang was credited with revitalizing French cultural institutions and establishing the popular “Fête de la Musique,” an annual music celebration that has since spread worldwide.
Lang stepped down after being summoned to appear at the French Foreign Ministry on Sunday. According to his lawyer Laurent Merlet, the former minister chose to resign to protect the Arab World Institute, the prestigious cultural center he had led since 2013.
“He is very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves,” Merlet told RTL radio. “He put the interests of the Arab World Institute first.” The lawyer emphasized that Lang denies the allegations, calling them inaccurate.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot acknowledged Lang’s resignation and has begun the process of selecting his successor. The Arab World Institute, founded in 1987, serves as a bridge between France and the Arab world, hosting exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events that promote understanding between these cultures.
The allegations surfaced after the U.S. Department of Justice released Epstein-related files on January 30. French investigative news website Mediapart reported last week on alleged financial and business ties between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to media reports, Lang’s name appeared more than 600 times in the released Epstein files, showing correspondence between 2012 and 2019. His daughter Caroline was also mentioned in the documents.
In response to these revelations, France’s financial prosecutors’ office has opened an investigation into both Jack Lang and his daughter for alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering.” The probe represents a significant escalation, as tax fraud charges can carry substantial penalties in France, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
Lang becomes the most high-profile French figure to be implicated in the sprawling Epstein scandal. Epstein, a wealthy financier who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, maintained a wide network of powerful connections across politics, business, and entertainment.
The Epstein case has had global repercussions, with numerous prominent individuals facing scrutiny over their associations with him. In France, where financial transparency for public officials is strictly regulated, the allegations against Lang could have broader implications for how the country addresses potential conflicts of interest among its cultural and political elite.
The Arab World Institute, which Lang helped transform into a significant cultural hub during his decade-long leadership, now faces a period of transition amid this controversy. The institute had expanded its programming and international reputation under Lang’s direction.
This development comes at a sensitive time for France, which has been working to strengthen its cultural diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The Arab World Institute plays a central role in these efforts, making Lang’s sudden departure particularly disruptive.
As the investigation proceeds, many observers note that the case highlights the continuing global fallout from the Epstein scandal, which continues to reveal new connections years after the financier’s death. French authorities have not indicated how long their investigation might take or what specific evidence they are examining.
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9 Comments
This is a troubling development involving a high-profile figure in French politics and culture. The alleged financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the tax fraud investigation raise serious questions. It will be important to follow this case closely and see what evidence emerges.
I agree, this case definitely warrants close scrutiny. The public deserves to know the full extent of any wrongdoing by those in positions of power and influence.
The resignation of the former French culture minister over Epstein-linked allegations is quite concerning. This seems to be another high-profile case of individuals with power and influence potentially being involved in unethical financial practices. I hope the investigation can uncover the full truth.
It’s disappointing to see this respected cultural figure in France embroiled in an Epstein-related scandal. The tax fraud allegations are very serious. I’m curious to learn more about the specific financial connections that led to his resignation from the Arab World Institute.
Yes, it’s a shame to see someone with such an esteemed career in the arts and government face these kinds of allegations. Transparency and accountability will be crucial as the investigation moves forward.
Interesting to see this prominent French figure facing allegations linked to the Epstein scandal. I wonder what details will emerge about his financial connections and the tax fraud investigation. Seems like a major fall from grace for someone who was so influential in French culture and politics.
I agree, this is a very troubling development. It will be important to follow the investigation closely and see what evidence is uncovered about Lang’s ties to Epstein and any potential wrongdoing.
The resignation of the former French culture minister over Epstein-linked tax fraud allegations is quite concerning. This serves as a reminder that even prominent public figures can become entangled in shady financial dealings. I hope the investigation can uncover the full truth of what occurred.
The resignation of the former French culture minister is a disappointing turn of events. His alleged connections to the Epstein scandal and tax fraud probe are very concerning. I hope the investigation can shed light on the details and determine the extent of his involvement, if any.