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Jack Lang, a prominent French political figure and former culture minister under President François Mitterrand, has stepped down from his role as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris following mounting pressure over his past connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed Lang’s resignation on Saturday, marking the end of his long tenure at the helm of the prestigious cultural institution.
Lang, 84, has been a central figure in French cultural and political life for decades. As culture minister in the 1980s and 1990s, he was widely credited with reshaping France’s cultural policy and expanding access to the arts. He later became president of the Arab World Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting dialogue and cultural exchange between France and the Arab world. His leadership was often praised for strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering international cooperation.
However, renewed scrutiny of Lang’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced American financier and convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019, sparked controversy in recent weeks. Media reports highlighted past contacts between Lang and Epstein, prompting criticism from political opponents and civil society groups. While Lang has consistently denied any wrongdoing and stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time of their interactions, the issue generated significant public and political pressure.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Lang’s decision to resign was taken in the interest of the institution, in order to protect its reputation and ensure its continued mission without distraction. The ministry emphasized that the Arab World Institute plays a vital role in France’s cultural outreach and international relations, and that its work should not be overshadowed by controversy surrounding its leadership.
Lang’s departure underscores the broader impact of the Epstein scandal, which continues to affect public figures around the world years after his death. As France prepares to appoint new leadership for the Arab World Institute, attention is expected to focus on restoring confidence and maintaining the institute’s role as a key platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.
