Financial crime prosecutors in France have launched a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.
Lang, a major figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, is being probed for suspected laundering of tax fraud proceeds.
This investigation comes in light of the U.S. Department of Justice's recent release of Epstein files, which document connections between the Lang family and the late American sex offender.
Now 86 and serving as the head of the Arab World Institute in Paris, Lang has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, referring to the allegations as baseless. He mentioned that the investigation would clarify the accusations concerning his integrity and honor.
Lang's daughter, Caroline, aged 64, is also being investigated in this case and has recently stepped down from her position as head of a French film producers' union.
Lang is referenced nearly 700 times in the Epstein files but has resisted calls to resign from his institute leadership.
During a conversation with BFMTV, Lang claimed he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities when he met him roughly 15 years ago. He was introduced to Epstein by U.S. actor-director Woody Allen, characterizing him as passionate about art, culture, and cinema.
Furthermore, details from the Epstein files indicate Lang solicited assistance from Epstein, including the use of his car and private plane for family purposes.
Caroline Lang stated she met Epstein in 2012, where he expressed interest in investing in artists while later suggesting she was naive in her dealings with him.
The files do not implicate either Lang or his daughter in Epstein's sexual crimes. However, the inquiry and the scrutiny they face underscore the complexities and web of connections surrounding Epstein's network.
