France’s Former Culture Minister Resigns Over Epstein Ties
Jack Lang, a prominent figure in French politics and the country’s former Minister of Culture, has resigned from his position as president of the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris. The resignation comes amidst a deepening scandal following the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, in which Lang’s name appears more than 600 times in connection with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 86-year-old politician, who served under President François Mitterrand and is credited with creating France’s annual Fête de la Musique, stepped down just hours before a scheduled summons by the French Foreign Ministry. In a statement, the ministry confirmed it had “taken note” of Lang’s decision and would immediately begin the process of appointing a successor to lead the cultural institution he has headed since 2013.
The controversy surrounding Lang intensified last week after French financial prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into him and his daughter, Caroline Lang. The inquiry, led by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF), is focused on suspicions of “laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds.” The investigation was triggered by revelations in the “Epstein files” and subsequent media reports alleging financial ties between the Lang family and Epstein.
According to investigative reports, the files detail intermittent correspondence between Lang and Epstein spanning from 2012 to 2019. The documents reportedly show requests for favors, including the use of Epstein’s private jet and luxury vehicles. Furthermore, scrutiny has fallen on an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which Caroline Lang allegedly co-founded with Epstein.
Caroline Lang, a film producer, has also faced professional repercussions, resigning earlier this week from her role as head of the Independent Production Union. While both Jack and Caroline Lang have denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities regarding minors, the sheer volume of correspondence and the nature of the alleged financial arrangements have placed unsustainable pressure on their public positions.
Lang’s lawyer, Laurent Merlet, stated that his client is “deeply hurt” by the allegations and maintains that he put the interests of the Arab World Institute first by resigning. Merlet emphasized that Lang intends to fully cooperate with the judicial inquiry to prove that he was not involved in any illegal activities. “There has been no movement of funds that would suggest wrongdoing,” Merlet told reporters, “but it is normal for the justice system to verify these matters.”
The resignation marks a significant fall for one of France’s most enduring political figures. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are expected to examine the financial records of the offshore entity and the precise nature of the benefits allegedly received by the Lang family.
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