Financial crime prosecutors in France have opened a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, is suspected of laundering proceeds from tax fraud.
This investigation comes after the US Department of Justice released files that document connections between the Lang family and the infamous late American financier and sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. At 86 years old, Lang, who currently heads the Arab World Institute in Paris, has denied any allegations, claiming they are baseless and expressing hope that the investigation will clarify his integrity and honor.
Lang's daughter, Caroline Lang, is also being investigated, having resigned from her position as head of a French film producers' union amidst the ongoing inquiries. The Epstein files have revealed Lang's name appears nearly 700 times, yet he has resisted calls to step down from his role at the Arab World Institute.
In recent statements, Lang asserted he was unaware of Epstein's illegal activities during their acquaintance around 15 years ago. He claimed that he was introduced to Epstein by filmmaker Woody Allen and described their interactions as focused on their mutual fascination with art and culture.
Despite not being implicated in Epstein's sexual crimes, Lang's significant notoriety has drawn attention as more details emerge about alleged financial transactions and appeals for funds made to Epstein. Lang and his daughter maintain that they were not involved in any wrongdoing linked to Epstein's criminal dealings.
