A powerful Democratic lawmaker has called for a criminal investigation into former Bard College president Leon Botstein after congressional investigators uncovered an email from Botstein to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. In the email, Botstein asked if a young woman was "for me, or are you keeping her for yourself".
Immediate Resignation
This latest development has prompted Botstein to resign from all Bard-affiliated positions, including his professorship and roles in Bard’s music programs. Botstein had led the college for 50 years and only recently stepped down as president.
Brandon Weber, chairman of Bard College’s board of trustees, stated that the college had received additional communications from Congressman Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee, who is leading the investigation into Botstein’s relationship with Epstein. Weber confirmed that Bard is undertaking "a full review" of the allegations and is cooperating with the committee’s investigation. The executive committee of Bard’s board of trustees voted unanimously to accept Botstein’s resignation.
Botstein's Statement
In his statement, Botstein asserted, "any assertion that I knew of or was involved in Epstein’s criminal behavior is wrong". He added, "But I do not want to see even false allegations about me put the institution I have served for more than half a century at any risk," indicating that his resignation was intended to protect Bard from distractions.
Background on Epstein Files
Botstein has faced intense scrutiny since the release of the Epstein files earlier this year, which revealed a friendly relationship between him and Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while facing sex-trafficking charges. The controversy centers on an email that Democratic committee members, who have access to unredacted emails in the Epstein files, claim was sent by Botstein to Epstein regarding a young foreign model and aspiring vocalist being "groomed" by Epstein throughout 2014.
