Uncovering the Complex Relationship Between Bard College President Leon Botstein and Jeffrey Epstein
The president of Bard College, Leon Botstein, had a planned trip to Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012 but claimed he got sick and stayed in a bungalow. He later emailed Epstein saying he had a great time, though it is unclear if he was on the island. Botstein's relationship with Epstein was primarily for fundraising, but emails show a warm tone and references to Vladimir Nabokov.
Botstein expressed sympathy to Epstein after reports of his sex abuse surfaced in 2018. He claimed his contact with Epstein was solely for fundraising purposes and not as a friend. Epstein gave Botstein a blue rotary phone as a gift, which Botstein later gave to the college for use as a prop.
Botstein suggested a visit to a high school connected to Bard College to Epstein, but it is unclear if it happened. Epstein had donated to Bard's high school program and was involved in the college's network of high schools. Epstein also had an interest in Smolny College, a program connected to Bard in Russia.
Botstein, known for successful fundraising, acknowledged the need for personal relationships with questionable characters in the capitalist system. The relationship between Botstein and Epstein was closer than previously understood, involving personal interactions like buying a rare watch and Epstein visiting Bard's campus. The billionaire James Cox Chambers, Bard's board chair, has not publicly addressed their relationship.
The media reported on the deeper ties between Botstein and Epstein, including personal interactions and connections with other notable figures like Woody Allen. Botstein emphasized that his contact with Epstein was solely for fundraising purposes and not as a personal relationship.