Emails recently released by the U.S. House Oversight Committee reveal the close friendship between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Noam Chomsky, a prominent professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The correspondence includes discussions about various topics, such as vacations and politics, and features a letter of support from Chomsky.
In an examination of the documents, emails indicate that despite Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a young girl for prostitution, Chomsky maintained regular communication with him at least until 2017. Chomsky, known as a leading linguist and activist, penned an undated letter that praises Epstein’s intellectual capabilities and influential connections. The exact recipient of this letter is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in 2017 or later, as Chomsky identified himself as a laureate professor at the University of Arizona, a title he acquired that year.
Chomsky noted in the letter that he met Epstein six years prior, stating that they had engaged in “regular contact since, with many long and often in-depth discussions.” He cited instances where Epstein facilitated discussions with significant political figures, including a Norwegian diplomat involved in the Oslo agreements and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
In his letter, Chomsky also mentioned his wife’s attempts to introduce him to jazz music through Epstein and described Epstein as a “highly valued friend” who provided stimulating intellectual exchange. The release of these emails shows continued closeness, exemplified by an August 2015 email in which Epstein invited Chomsky to use his property in New York or visit his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.
Zorro Ranch has been the center of investigations into Epstein’s alleged sexual crimes against minors. New Mexico state officials are currently advocating for $2.5 million to initiate a “truth commission” regarding events that have taken place at the ranch.
Chomsky’s wife, Valeria, also had significant communication with Epstein, as seen in a January 2017 email where she expressed apologies for missing his birthday and mentioned hopes for a future toast together.
This revelation follows prior investigations, including one by the Miami Herald, which scrutinized Epstein’s 2008 legal agreements and his subsequent arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019. Epstein had a tragic end, passing away in a federal jail while awaiting trial.
The release of these emails has raised concerns regarding Epstein’s connections with academics in Massachusetts, leading to calls for reviews of other ties within the educational community. For instance, Larry Summers, a former Harvard University president, announced he would step back from public engagements following disclosures regarding his own connections to Epstein. Harvard has signaled its intention to investigate these relationships further.
This situation underscores the importance of examining the relationships individuals maintain, particularly with those who may have troubling histories, as it can reveal deeper dynamics within academic and influential circles.