French Ex-Minister Jack Lang Resigns Amid Epstein Investigation
Published 7 February 2026
Highlights
- French prosecutors have launched an inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over links to Jeffrey Epstein, focusing on suspected "laundering of tax fraud proceeds."
- Lang, 86, has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute amid the investigation, which also involves his daughter Caroline Lang.
- The Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice, mention Jack Lang over 600 times, highlighting his connections with the disgraced financier.
- Caroline Lang is implicated in founding an offshore company with Epstein and is named in his will, though she denies receiving any funds.
- Both Jack and Caroline Lang deny any wrongdoing, with Jack Lang expressing confidence that the investigation will clear his name.
-
Rewritten Article
French Ex-Minister Jack Lang Resigns Amid Epstein Investigation
French authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang, scrutinizing his connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry, led by financial crime prosecutors, centers on allegations of "laundering of tax fraud proceeds" linked to Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang.
Resignation from Arab World Institute
In a significant development, Jack Lang, aged 86, has stepped down from his role as the head of the Arab World Institute. This resignation follows the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which document extensive interactions between Lang and Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, has denied any misconduct, describing the allegations as "baseless." He expressed hope that the investigation would vindicate him, stating, "When I meet people, I don't ask to see their criminal record."
Caroline Lang's Involvement
Caroline Lang, a film producer, is also under investigation. She reportedly established an offshore company with Epstein in 2016 to support young artists, though she claims to have resigned from the company following further allegations against Epstein in 2019. Despite being named as a beneficiary in Epstein's will, Caroline Lang insists she has neither seen the document nor received any funds. She has since resigned from her position at the Union of Independent Producers to prevent any harm to the organization.
Epstein Files and French Political Fallout
The Epstein files, which surfaced on January 30, have implicated several high-profile figures, with Jack Lang being the most prominent in France. The documents reveal intermittent correspondence between Lang and Epstein from 2012 until Epstein's death in 2019. Lang's lawyer, Laurent Merlet, emphasized that there has been no financial movement, asserting that the investigation is a standard procedure to verify the facts.
-
Scenario Analysis
The unfolding investigation into Jack Lang and his daughter could have significant legal and political ramifications in France. If the inquiry substantiates the allegations, it may lead to legal proceedings that could tarnish Lang's legacy and impact his family's reputation. Politically, this case could prompt further scrutiny of other public figures mentioned in the Epstein files, potentially leading to broader investigations. Experts suggest that the case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in political and financial dealings, particularly concerning international connections. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these developments influence public trust in French political institutions.
French authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang, scrutinizing his connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry, led by financial crime prosecutors, centers on allegations of "laundering of tax fraud proceeds" linked to Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang.
Resignation from Arab World Institute
In a significant development, Jack Lang, aged 86, has stepped down from his role as the head of the Arab World Institute. This resignation follows the release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which document extensive interactions between Lang and Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, has denied any misconduct, describing the allegations as "baseless." He expressed hope that the investigation would vindicate him, stating, "When I meet people, I don't ask to see their criminal record."
Caroline Lang's Involvement
Caroline Lang, a film producer, is also under investigation. She reportedly established an offshore company with Epstein in 2016 to support young artists, though she claims to have resigned from the company following further allegations against Epstein in 2019. Despite being named as a beneficiary in Epstein's will, Caroline Lang insists she has neither seen the document nor received any funds. She has since resigned from her position at the Union of Independent Producers to prevent any harm to the organization.
Epstein Files and French Political Fallout
The Epstein files, which surfaced on January 30, have implicated several high-profile figures, with Jack Lang being the most prominent in France. The documents reveal intermittent correspondence between Lang and Epstein from 2012 until Epstein's death in 2019. Lang's lawyer, Laurent Merlet, emphasized that there has been no financial movement, asserting that the investigation is a standard procedure to verify the facts.
What this might mean
The unfolding investigation into Jack Lang and his daughter could have significant legal and political ramifications in France. If the inquiry substantiates the allegations, it may lead to legal proceedings that could tarnish Lang's legacy and impact his family's reputation. Politically, this case could prompt further scrutiny of other public figures mentioned in the Epstein files, potentially leading to broader investigations. Experts suggest that the case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in political and financial dealings, particularly concerning international connections. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these developments influence public trust in French political institutions.
