France's Former Culture Minister Resigns Amid Epstein Tax Probe
Jack Lang resigned from the Arab World Institute after a financial prosecutors' inquiry into alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Overview
Jack Lang resigned as president of the Arab World Institute after the French Financial Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation into him and his daughter Caroline on suspicion of "aggravated tax fraud laundering," officials confirmed.
The probe follows the release on Jan. 30 of U.S. Department of Justice files showing more than 600 mentions of Jack Lang and intermittent correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein between 2012 and 2019, records show.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed he had taken note of Lang's resignation and said the ministry overseeing the institute would begin the search for a successor, the ministry said.
Jack Lang’s lawyer Laurent Merlet denied the allegations on RTL radio and BFM TV and said Lang would prove there had been no movement of funds, while Lang said on X he welcomed the investigation "with serenity and even relief."
Caroline Lang resigned as head of France’s Independent Production Union after reports and records indicated she co-founded an offshore company linked to Epstein, and the investigation could broaden depending on findings, prosecutors said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the coverage neutrally: they report sourced facts (DOJ file release, Mediapart reporting, prosecutor probe), include Lang’s denials and his lawyer’s statement, and avoid speculative language. Emphasis is on procedural developments and factual context (career background, resignation) rather than moral judgments or sensational wording.
Sources (7)
FAQ
The Arab World Institute (IMA) is a Paris-based cultural institution that promotes Arab culture through exhibitions and events. Jack Lang served as its president since 2013 until his resignation in February 2026.[1]
The French Financial Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation into Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline for alleged 'aggravated tax fraud laundering' linked to financial ties with Jeffrey Epstein, including an offshore company.
Jack Lang's name appears over 600-670 times in U.S. Department of Justice Epstein files released on January 30, showing intermittent correspondence from 2012-2019; he was introduced to Epstein by Woody Allen and reportedly borrowed Epstein's vehicles.[1]
Lang denied the allegations, called them baseless, welcomed the investigation with serenity, and resigned to protect the institution; his lawyer stated there was no movement of funds; his daughter Caroline also resigned from her position.
The investigation is preliminary and could broaden; Lang's resignation from the Arab World Institute was accepted, and the Foreign Ministry is seeking a successor.[1]
History
4 sources