Jack Lang: Epstein Link, Resignation & Fallout – Latest News

Veteran French Politician Jack Lang Resigns Amid Epstein Links and Tax Investigation

Paris – Jack Lang, a prominent figure in French politics and culture, has resigned from his position as president of the Arab World Institute (IMA) following revelations of past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the opening of a financial investigation. The resignation, announced on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marks the latest fallout from the release of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 30th.

Lang, 86, served as France’s Minister of Culture under President François Mitterrand during the 1980s and 1990s. He had been at the helm of the IMA since 2013. His departure comes after being summoned to the French Foreign Ministry for a meeting regarding his links to Epstein, a meeting he ultimately avoided by submitting his resignation.

“He is very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves,” his lawyer, Laurent Merlet, told RTL radio on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Merlet added that Lang “put the interests of the Arab World Institute first” and denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the allegations as inaccurate.

The French financial prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into both Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang, a film producer, on suspicion of “aggravated tax fraud laundering.” This investigation stems from information contained within the Epstein files, which reportedly detail financial and business ties between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The revelations surfaced following the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which included images and references to Lang’s interactions with Epstein. A screengrab from a video released as part of the Epstein investigation shows Lang with Epstein at the Louvre pyramid, as reported by The Guardian.

Lang offered his resignation in a letter to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and the process to name an interim president for the IMA is now underway. Despite the investigation and public scrutiny, Lang maintains his innocence, stating that the accusations against him are “baseless” and welcoming the probe, according to a statement to AFP.

The case has drawn attention to the extent of Epstein’s network and its reach into European circles. Lang’s resignation is the most high-profile consequence in France so far, following the release of the Epstein files. Pierre Vermeren, writing in Le Figaro, suggested that Lang’s fall could signal a “crepuscule of gauchisme culturel” – a decline of cultural leftism.

The situation surrounding Lang’s resignation is complicated by questions about the succession at the IMA. Le HuffPost reported that finding a suitable replacement for Lang may not be straightforward. The investigation into Lang and his daughter is ongoing, and the full extent of any potential financial irregularities remains to be seen.

Lang’s lawyer emphasized his client’s commitment to defending his reputation. “He will not let slander gain ground,” Merlet told BFM TV, highlighting Lang’s determination to clear his name. The unfolding situation continues to be closely watched as it raises questions about the ethical boundaries and financial dealings of prominent figures in French society.