Ex-French Minister Acknowledges Knowing Epstein, Denies Friendship

(MENAFN) Former French Culture Minister Jack Lang said on Wednesday that Jeffrey Epstein "was not a friend," though he does not regret having known the late convicted sex offender, whose name appeared in recently released Justice Department documents.

Lang told reports that he first met Epstein around 15 years ago through filmmaker Woody Allen, whom he described as a friend. He clarified, "He is not a friend. I knew nothing about him. I found the man passionate about art, culture and cinema."

Despite the association, Lang said he feels no remorse over the past acquaintance, adding, "I’m not in the habit of spitting on people I knew at one time and who later are accused of crimes."

Asked about being photographed with Epstein at the Louvre in March 2019, months before Epstein’s death in jail, Lang said he was unaware of the legal proceedings at the time. "I don’t spend my life following court reports," he stated.

He also explained that his name appeared "by chance" in the statutes of a company linked to Epstein, denying any financial gain and emphasizing, "not a single cent of Epstein’s went into my pocket."

Lang confirmed he will not step down as president of the Arab World Institute, contrasting with his daughter, Caroline, who resigned from the Independent Producers Union after her name surfaced in correspondence with Epstein.

MENAFN05022026000045017640ID1110699136