Financial crime prosecutors in France have initiated a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Lang, a key figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, is being examined for suspected laundering of tax fraud proceeds in light of recently released Epstein files that document his family's ties to the late American financier.
At 86, Lang vehemently denies any wrongdoing, condemning the allegations as baseless and asserting that he will work to clarify his integrity and honor through the investigatory process.
In the wake of the inquiry announcement, Lang has opted to resign from his leadership role at the Arab World Institute, an organization dedicated to fostering cooperation between France and Arab nations. He communicated his resignation through a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, promising to formalize this decision at the upcoming board meeting.
Worth noting, Lang has been cited nearly 700 times within Epstein's archives, intensifying scrutiny around his connections. His daughter Caroline, also implicated in the unfolding investigation, recently stepped down from her position as the head of a French film producers' union, revealing her own interactions with Epstein in 2012 when he sought to invest in artists.
Lang, in previous statements to media, claimed he had no prior knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities during their meetings approximately 15 years ago, as Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting minors. Underlining the complexities of their relationship, Lang characterized Epstein as an avid supporter of art and culture who was introduced to him through renowned filmmaker Woody Allen.
As the investigations proceed, both Jack and Caroline Lang assert their innocence amidst the rising tide of allegations linked to the notorious convicted sex offender.
