Jack Lang Resigns from Cultural Role Amid Epstein Tax Probe

Former French Culture Minister Jack Lang has resigned from his position as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following allegations of financial misconduct linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lang’s departure marks a significant moment in the fallout from the release of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 30, 2026.

Lang, who is 86 years old, served as France’s culture minister under Socialist President François Mitterrand during the 1980s and 1990s. His resignation was confirmed by the French Foreign Ministry on February 8, after he was summoned for questioning regarding his financial dealings. According to reports, the French financial prosecutors’ office has initiated an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, for alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering.”

The allegations surfaced after the publication of Epstein files that reportedly included Lang’s name more than 600 times, indicating ongoing correspondence with Epstein between 2012 and 2019. Details uncovered by the French investigative news website Mediapart suggested connections between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In a statement made on RTL radio, Lang’s lawyer, Laurent Merlet, expressed that Lang is “very sad and deeply hurt” to leave a role he cherished. Merlet emphasized that Lang prioritized the interests of the Arab World Institute and maintained that the allegations against him are inaccurate.

As Lang steps down, the Foreign Ministry, led by Jean-Noël Barrot, has acknowledged his resignation and has begun the search for a new leader for the Arab World Institute, a position Lang had held since 2013. The institute is known for promoting cultural exchanges and fostering understanding between the Arab world and France.

The implications of the Epstein files have already been felt across various sectors in Europe, leading to scrutiny and resignations among public figures. Lang’s case highlights the ongoing repercussions of Epstein’s extensive network and the investigations surrounding it.

As the investigation unfolds, the public and media will be closely monitoring developments, particularly concerning the financial dealings and associations of prominent figures like Lang.