The public television series “Poetry in America” has lost its primary distributor, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), due to concerns regarding host Elisa New’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A PBS spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating that the series has been removed from their digital platforms.
This development follows the recent release of emails that show a correspondence between New and Epstein, which were disclosed by a House congressional committee. These emails, spanning from 2014 to 2018, reveal that New expressed her gratitude to Epstein for supporting her work, including “Poetry in America,” a series that had been distributed nationally by PBS.
The nonprofit that produced the series, Verse Video Education, confirmed they became aware of PBS’s decision on Monday and promptly removed references to the PBS connection. A spokesperson indicated that this situation would compel the organization to seek alternative distribution avenues in the future, emphasizing their commitment to introducing audiences to significant poetry.
As investigations into New’s ties to Epstein continue, it has become clear that the emails highlighted a multifaceted relationship where New sought Epstein’s financial advice and support. In one email from 2014, she described a proposed $500,000 donation as a “gift to Poetry in America,” which would endow her with discretion over its allocation to HarvardX and WGBH, thereby enhancing the quality of PBS offerings.
A comprehensive investigation by the Boston Globe revealed that New received a total of $110,000 from Epstein. In a recent statement, New expressed her deep regret over accepting these donations and maintaining contact with Epstein. Subsequently, she made a personal contribution to a sex trafficking prevention organization that exceeded the amount she received from him.
Previously, GBH had distanced itself from New and the series around three years ago upon discovering her ties to Epstein, asserting there was no financial link between Epstein and the broader production of the series. Although New maintained that no Epstein funds were allocated directly to the series, her spokesperson noted that educational content funded by Epstein was developed for her educational programs, not the public broadcast series.
This situation underscores the continual scrutiny faced by public media figures and organizations, emphasizing the delicate balance of public trust, financial sources, and the imperative nature of accountability. Despite the challenges, Verse Video Education remains dedicated to its mission, indicating a future where audiences can continue to engage with the richness of poetry.