From Rolling Stone · Charisma Madarang · · 50s
Ex-Bard President Resigns Over Epstein Email Allegations
Leon Botstein steps down from Bard College after House Judiciary Committee accuses him of enabling Epstein abuse.
In brief
Leon Botstein steps down from Bard College after House Judiciary Committee accuses him of enabling Epstein abuse. Leon Botstein resigned from Bard College leadership following allegations he enabled Jeffrey Epstein's abuse through a 2014 email inquiry. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Leon Botstein's resignation
Leon Botstein resigned from all Bard College roles after House Judiciary Committee accused him of enabling Jeffrey Epstein's abuse.
“Botstein likely enabled and possibly even participated in Epstein's abuse while serving as Bard's President”
House Judiciary Committee letter
House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Bard's Board Chair and Acting President alleging Botstein enabled Epstein's abuse through a 2014 email.
“Botstein likely enabled and possibly even participated in Epstein's abuse while serving as Bard's President”
2014 email inquiry
A 2014 email from Botstein asked if a Jane Doe Epstein was grooming was 'for me, or are you keeping her for yourself'.
“for me, or are you keeping her for yourself”
Botstein's statement
Botstein denied involvement in Epstein's criminal behavior, stating he resigned to protect Bard from false allegations.
“any assertion that I knew of or was involved in Epstein's criminal behavior is wrong”
At a glance
Leon Botstein resigned from Bard College leadership following allegations he enabled Jeffrey Epstein's abuse through a 2014 email inquiry.
