NAIROBI, Kenya- Former French culture minister Jack Lang has dismissed allegations linking him to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the claims “baseless” as French prosecutors opened a preliminary financial crimes investigation.
Speaking to AFP on Saturday, the 86-year-old political heavyweight said he was facing the probe with “serenity” after France’s financial crimes unit launched an inquiry into suspected laundering of tax fraud proceeds involving Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang.
“The accusations being made against me are baseless,” Lang said, insisting the investigation would ultimately clear his name.
Lang Says Probe Will Clear His Name
Lang, who served in several senior cabinet roles during France’s socialist governments from the 1980s through the early 2000s, said the inquiry came as both a shock and a relief.
“I am taking this news with serenity and even relief,” he told AFP. “It will bring much light onto the accusations that are questioning my probity and my honour.”
The investigation follows the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice related to Epstein, which have reignited scrutiny of powerful individuals who had contact with the disgraced financier before his death in prison in 2019.
Epstein Files Trigger Renewed Scrutiny
French media reports indicate that the Epstein files contain multiple references to the Lang family, prompting prosecutors to examine whether any financial arrangements linked to Epstein violated French law.
Lang has repeatedly maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time they met and has denied receiving any illicit benefits.
Neither the investigation nor the released documents suggest that Lang or his daughter were involved in Epstein’s sexual crimes. Under French law, a preliminary inquiry does not imply guilt and can be closed without charges being filed.
Pressure Builds Despite Denials
The case has nonetheless intensified public and political pressure, with renewed debate in France over accountability for historical ties to Epstein among global elites.
Lang’s response marks his strongest public defence yet, as investigators work to determine whether the links uncovered warrant further legal action.
