Financial crime prosecutors in France say they have opened a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, a major figure in French socialist governments between the 1980s and 2000s, is being investigated for suspected 'laundering of tax fraud proceeds'. It follows the US Department of Justice's release of the Epstein files, which have documented links between the Lang family and the late American sex offender.
Lang, now 86, denies wrongdoing and on Saturday described the allegations against him as 'baseless'. He told AFP that the investigation 'will bring much light onto the accusations that are questioning my probity and my honour'.
Hours after the investigation was announced, Lang offered to resign as head of the Arab World Institute, a body that promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and Arab nations. In a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Lang stated he would submit his resignation at the next board meeting.
The former French minister, who is named almost 700 times in the Epstein files, had until now resisted pressure to step down. Barrot, who had summoned Lang for talks on Sunday, acknowledged his resignation offer and planned to start looking for a successor.
Lang's daughter Caroline, 64, is also being investigated in the case. Earlier this week she stepped down as head of a French film producers' union. In interviews, Lang claimed he was unaware of Epstein's crimes when they met approximately 15 years ago, and insisted that he found Epstein to be 'passionate about art, culture, and cinema'.
Details from the files revealed by French media suggest Lang appealed to Epstein for funds or favours on several occasions, including the use of Epstein's car and private plane for himself and his family. Caroline Lang mentioned that she met Epstein in 2012 and stated he wanted to 'invest in young French and international artists'.
Although both Lang and his daughter are facing scrutiny, the files do not suggest they were implicated in Epstein's sexual crimes. The recent release of Epstein files included names of many prominent individuals worldwide. However, being mentioned does not imply wrongdoing. Epstein died in prison in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Lang, now 86, denies wrongdoing and on Saturday described the allegations against him as 'baseless'. He told AFP that the investigation 'will bring much light onto the accusations that are questioning my probity and my honour'.
Hours after the investigation was announced, Lang offered to resign as head of the Arab World Institute, a body that promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and Arab nations. In a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Lang stated he would submit his resignation at the next board meeting.
The former French minister, who is named almost 700 times in the Epstein files, had until now resisted pressure to step down. Barrot, who had summoned Lang for talks on Sunday, acknowledged his resignation offer and planned to start looking for a successor.
Lang's daughter Caroline, 64, is also being investigated in the case. Earlier this week she stepped down as head of a French film producers' union. In interviews, Lang claimed he was unaware of Epstein's crimes when they met approximately 15 years ago, and insisted that he found Epstein to be 'passionate about art, culture, and cinema'.
Details from the files revealed by French media suggest Lang appealed to Epstein for funds or favours on several occasions, including the use of Epstein's car and private plane for himself and his family. Caroline Lang mentioned that she met Epstein in 2012 and stated he wanted to 'invest in young French and international artists'.
Although both Lang and his daughter are facing scrutiny, the files do not suggest they were implicated in Epstein's sexual crimes. The recent release of Epstein files included names of many prominent individuals worldwide. However, being mentioned does not imply wrongdoing. Epstein died in prison in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
