French financial crime prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into Jack Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s and former Minister of Culture. The inquiry centers on suspected “laundering of tax fraud proceeds” and stems from the recent release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice. These documents have indicated connections between the Lang family and the deceased American financier, who was a convicted sex offender.
Currently 86 years old and serving as the head of the Arab World Institute in Paris, Jack Lang has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. On Saturday, he characterized the allegations against him as “baseless.” He informed AFP that the investigation would serve to “bring much light on to the accusations that are questioning my probity and my honour.”
Daughter Also Under Scrutiny
Lang’s 64-year-old daughter, Caroline Lang, is also being investigated in connection with the matter. Earlier this week, she stepped down from her position as head of a French film producers’ union. Her involvement comes as Jack Lang is mentioned nearly 700 times in the Epstein files. He has thus far resisted calls to resign from his leadership role at the Arab World Institute.
Account of Meetings with Epstein
In a broadcast interview with BFMTV on Tuesday, Lang stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities when they met approximately 15 years ago. Epstein, an American financier, was convicted in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Lang, who served as Minister of Culture from 1981 to 1993 and later as Minister of Education, recounted being introduced to Epstein by the American actor and director Woody Allen.
Lang described Epstein as having been “passionate about art, culture and cinema.” In a separate interview with RTL radio on Tuesday, he characterized Epstein as “generous” and “courteous.” He added, “When I meet people I don’t ask to see their criminal record.” France’s foreign minister has scheduled discussions with Lang for Sunday.
Allegations of Favors and Financial Links
Information from the Epstein files, reported by French media, suggests that Lang had approached Epstein on several occasions seeking financial assistance or favors. These requests reportedly included the use of Epstein’s private car and airplane for himself and his family. Caroline Lang informed the French news website Mediapart that she first met Epstein in 2012. She reported that Epstein expressed an interest in “investing in young French and international artists.”
She further stated that Epstein’s lawyers had established a company named Prytanee LLC, based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mediapart indicated that Caroline Lang received half of the company’s shares, though she asserted she had not invested in it nor received any funds from it. According to Mediapart’s reporting, an email within the Epstein files suggested her contribution was related to her expertise in art. Caroline Lang herself commented to the website that she had been “incredibly naive.”
Resignation from Film Union
In announcing her resignation from the Independent Production Union, Caroline Lang stated, “I do not want this situation to in any way harm the union.” The released Epstein files do not suggest either Jack Lang or his daughter were implicated in Epstein’s sex crimes.
Context of Epstein Files
The most recent release of Epstein files by the U.S. government comprises millions of documents and includes the names of affluent and influential individuals globally. It is important to note that inclusion in these files does not inherently imply any wrongdoing. Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.