France’s former Culture Minister, Jack Lang, has resigned from his position as head of a Paris cultural center due to alleged past financial ties to the infamous late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations against Lang prompted a tax investigation into his connections, ultimately leading to his resignation.
As of this writing, Lang is the most prominent figure in France to be affected by the latest batch of Epstein files released on January 30, 2026, by the Justice Department. He is best known for serving as culture minister during the presidency of Socialist François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s. Now 86 years old, Lang was scheduled to appear before the French Foreign Ministry, which oversees the Arab World Institute, but he chose to resign instead.
Lang’s attorney, Laurent Merlet, spoke with RTL radio on Sunday, saying that he was “very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves.” He added, “He put the interests of the Arab World Institute first,” saying his client has denied the allegations against him and said they were “inaccurate.” The Foreign Ministry confirmed Lang’s resignation earlier this week.
According to a report from ABC News, the financial prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, regarding allegations of “aggravated tax fraud and money laundering.” Recently, Mediapart, a French investigative website, published a report highlighting the alleged financial and business ties between the Langs and Jeffrey Epstein, facilitated through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lang was mentioned a remarkable 600 times in the latest release of Epstein files. Communications between Lang and Epstein were sporadic from 2012 to 2019. Additionally, Lang’s daughter was also referenced in the files. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has already begun the search for Lang’s replacement. Lang led the Arab World Institute for over 12 years, starting his tenure in 2013.
Maud Bregeon, a spokesperson for the French government, addressed the situation, declaring it untenable. She described the resignation as “the only possible decision,” emphasizing the moral dimension of the case alongside the judicial process. Similarly, Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist Party, expressed that Lang was effectively compelled to resign in order to take responsibility for his actions and to set an example while the courts worked to determine any potential legal consequences.
Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier has warned against the mindset of the politically connected and powerful, who may feel above the law and believe they should not face consequences for their actions. Barnier described that attitude as “unbearable,” according to RFI, and stated that it ultimately fuels populist anger among French citizens.
Sandrine Rousseau, who leads the Green Party in France, expressed that Lang’s resignation from his position was long overdue. In contrast, Sebastien Chenu, a member of the National Rally, remarked that it was “about time” the former culture minister stepped down. He pointed to Lang’s ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing investigation into his tax situation as reasons for the resignation.
There have been other casualties from the mass release of Epstein files by the Trump administration.
CBS News contributor Peter Attia ended a promotional relationship with a wellness company following public criticism related to email exchanges involving Epstein, multiple outlets reported last week.
Attia, a physician and podcaster who joined CBS News as a contributor in 2025, had been associated with the brand, which markets nutritional supplements and wellness products. Recent online posts highlighted email communications between Attia and individuals connected to Epstein’s social circle, drawing scrutiny from social media users and commentators.
“Dr. Peter Attia has stepped down from his role as Chief Science Officer at David. We remain focused on serving our customers,” Peter Rahal, the founder of the protein bar company, posted on X.