Jack Lang, the former French Culture Minister, steps down as president of the Arab World Institute after revelations expose his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison. France’s financial prosecutor investigates Lang and his daughter Caroline for alleged aggravated tax fraud laundering, triggered by U.S. Department of Justice documents released on January 30, 2026.
Records reveal Lang’s name appears over 670 times in Epstein-related files, documenting their intermittent correspondence from 2012 until Epstein’s 2019 death. French outlets like Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Mediapart report Lang requested funds, favors, private jet access, and Epstein’s car for family use; Woody Allen introduced them about 15 years ago. Lang denies wrongdoing, deems the probe “baseless,” and claims initial ignorance of Epstein’s crimes.
Caroline Lang, a film producer and his daughter, resigns as head of a film producers’ union after Epstein files link her to offshore U.S. Virgin Islands entity Prytanee LLC. She describes herself as “incredibly naive,” denying personal investment or financial gain from the planned art investment company. France’s Foreign Minister summons Lang amid intensifying pressure.
Epstein disclosures spark cross-party demands for Lang’s resignation; his lawyer notes he feels “very sad” to depart the cherished institute yet remains “combative.” The scandal underscores Epstein’s network’s enduring elite repercussions.
