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French authorities launch inquiry into Jack Lang
France's financial crime prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over suspected money laundering linked to tax fraud, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Background: Epstein files trigger scrutiny
The probe follows the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice detailing connections between the Lang family and Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier convicted of sex crimes. Lang, 86, has been mentioned nearly 700 times in the files, which have prompted global scrutiny of Epstein's associates.
Lang denies wrongdoing, offers resignation
In a statement to AFP on Saturday, Lang dismissed the allegations as "baseless," asserting that the investigation would "shed light on accusations questioning my integrity." Hours later, he announced his resignation as president of the Arab World Institute, a Paris-based organization fostering Franco-Arab cultural ties. The move follows a meeting with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who acknowledged Lang's offer and confirmed plans to appoint a successor.
Lang, a prominent Socialist Party figure who served as culture minister (1981-1993) and later as education minister, had previously resisted calls to step down despite mounting pressure.
Family ties and financial links
Lang's daughter, Caroline, 64, is also under investigation in the same case. She resigned this week as head of a French film producers' union, stating she did not want the controversy to "harm the union." French media reports, citing the Epstein files, allege she met Epstein in 2012 when he expressed interest in "investing in young French and international artists."
According to Mediapart, Epstein's lawyers established Prytanee LLC, a company registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Caroline Lang reportedly holding half the shares. She denied receiving funds or investing in the venture, calling herself "incredibly naive" in an interview with the news site. An email in the files suggested she contributed art expertise to the project.
Lang's defense and Epstein's generosity
In interviews with BFMTV and RTL radio on Tuesday, Lang claimed he was unaware of Epstein's crimes when they met "around 15 years ago." He described Epstein as "passionate about art, culture, and cinema," adding that the financier had been "generous" and "courteous." Lang said he was introduced to Epstein by filmmaker Woody Allen and admitted, "When I meet people, I don't ask to see their criminal record."
French media reports indicate Lang sought Epstein's assistance on multiple occasions, including the use of his private jet and car for himself and his family. However, the files do not suggest either Lang or his daughter were involved in Epstein's sexual offenses.
Broader context of the Epstein files
The latest release of Epstein-related documents by U.S. authorities includes millions of records naming influential figures worldwide. While being mentioned in the files does not imply wrongdoing, the disclosures have reignited debates about the financier's network. Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
