Bard president Leon Botstein stepping down after inquiry into his Epstein ties
Leon Botstein is stepping down as president of Bard College following an independent investigation into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. The review found Botstein made numerous visits to Epstein's properties and maintained contact despite warnings, while also accepting undisclosed consulting fees from an Epstein entity. Bard's board accepted his retirement, citing serious concerns and the need for an orderly transition.
- ▪An independent review by WilmerHale found Leon Botstein made about 25 visits to Jeffrey Epstein's townhouse and one to his private island.
- ▪Botstein accepted fees from an Epstein-linked entity in 2016 but did not disclose the agreement to Bard's board, claiming the funds were later donated through personal contributions.
- ▪The report stated Botstein dismissed warnings from faculty about Epstein and believed Bard's financial needs justified engaging with controversial donors.
- ▪WilmerHale concluded that Botstein minimized and was not fully truthful about the extent of his relationship with Epstein in public and internal statements.
- ▪Bard's board announced it would redirect any funds associated with Epstein to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.
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Leon Botstein in March 2019. Photograph: Xinhua/Imago via AlamyView image in fullscreen Leon Botstein in March 2019. Photograph: Xinhua/Imago via AlamyJeffrey EpsteinBard president Leon Botstein stepping down after inquiry into his Epstein tiesInvestigation found Botstein – who had claimed he wasn’t friends with Epstein – made 25 visits to his townhouseStephanie KirchgaessnerFri 1 May 2026 17.52 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 17.54 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLeon Botstein has announced he is stepping down from the helm of Bard College, after an independent review of his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein found the college president’s frequent interactions with the convicted sex offender “could have alerted” him to the possibility that he and Bard would be facilitating Epstein’s…
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