Chomsky’s Ties to Epstein Draw Scrutiny as Newly Released Files Emerge
Newly released files are shedding further light on the relationship between renowned linguist Noam Chomsky and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny of their years-long association. The disclosures, made public on Friday, February 3, 2026, build upon earlier revelations of close social ties and suggest a more extensive connection than previously acknowledged by Chomsky.
The latest tranche of documents, released by the U.S. Justice Department, includes emails and letters indicating a personal familiarity between Chomsky and Epstein. One message revealed Chomsky “fantasizing about the Caribbean island,” though there is no specific indication he was referring to Epstein’s private island where abuse occurred. The correspondence details plans for social gatherings and reveals a level of comfort between the two men.
The disclosures have drawn criticism from some who question the nature of Chomsky’s relationship with Epstein, given the latter’s history of sexual abuse. Vijay Prashad, a journalist and author who collaborated with Chomsky on two books, expressed his dismay in a letter, stating he was “heartsick” over the newly released correspondence. Prashad wrote that he had no knowledge of the friendship while working with Chomsky.
Chomsky, 97, has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein, but maintained that their relationship primarily involved financial dealings. However, the newly released files appear to undermine that claim. In late February 2019, Epstein reportedly told an associate that he had sought advice from Chomsky on how to manage negative press coverage. According to text signed under Chomsky’s first name, he advised Epstein to “ignore it,” adding that “the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women” had reached a point where even questioning a charge was considered a serious offense.
Matthew Hiltzik, the recipient of that email, responded, “I think that is wise.”
Financial records included in the released documents have also intensified scrutiny. Approximately $270,000 (roughly £205,879) was transferred to an account connected to Epstein at a time when Chomsky was managing financial matters related to his first marriage, according to materials cited by First Post.
Chomsky has not publicly commented on the latest document release. When questioned by the Harvard Crimson in 2023 about meeting with Epstein, he stated, “I’ve met [all] sorts of people, including major war criminals. I don’t regret having met any of them.”
Chomsky is currently a professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been on unpaid medical leave from the University of Arizona since October 2023, according to a school spokesperson.
The release of these files is part of a broader effort to disclose more information about Epstein’s network of associates, spurred by a congressional bill passed after former President Donald Trump’s administration initially claimed a comprehensive list of Epstein’s clients did not exist. The latest disclosures build upon earlier releases of documents detailing Chomsky’s communications with Epstein, which extended through 2017, years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a person under 18 for prostitution.
Emails reviewed by reporters show continued communication between Chomsky and Epstein in 2015 and 2017. One exchange details Epstein phoning a Norwegian diplomat during a conversation about the Oslo accords, illustrating the degree of access he still maintained despite his criminal history. An undated letter from Chomsky describes their relationship as a “most valuable experience,” praising Epstein for facilitating discussions with diplomats and academics.
Former Epstein girlfriend Karyna Shuliak at one point emailed a third party, whose identity was redacted, that she and her boyfriend wanted to send Chomsky and his wife two genetic testing kits.
In a separate communication, Chomsky wrote to Steve Bannon, former chief White House strategist during the Trump administration, requesting a meeting, stating, “Lots to talk about,” and noting that Epstein had provided Bannon’s contact information.
