Records have exposed previously unknown ties between celebrated linguist and MIT professor Noam Chomsky and the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. These connections are more extensive than what was ever reported before. Chomsky, 96, referred to his longstanding relationship with Epstein as a “most valuable experience.” He focused on their conversations, as they roved across a number of topics, complexities of course, but most importantly the state of our global financial system. The disclosures have surprised many, considering Epstein’s infamous legal past, including a conviction of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
In a detailed email correspondence from 2015, Epstein offered Chomsky use of his residences in New York and New Mexico, showcasing the depth of their personal connection. Chomsky admitted that he had first met Epstein about half a dozen years prior to this discussion. What he emphasized were the ongoing relationships they’ve maintained from that point forward.
“I met [Jeffrey Epstein] half a dozen years ago,” – Noam Chomsky
In Chomsky’s words, their conversations were long, but intellectually invigorating. He went on to describe the powerful effect that Epstein had on him, saying,
“We have been in regular contact since, with many long and often in-depth discussions about a very wide range of topics, including our own specialties and professional work, but a host of others where we have shared interests. It has been a most valuable experience for me.” – Noam Chomsky
Their business relationship was not limited to friendly chats over coffee. Epstein coordinated a meeting for Chomsky with former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak. That he would go on to have such influence and access in Chomsky’s professional life is very much foreshadowed by this move.
There was more than an academic back-and-forth, as records show that Chomsky’s second wife, Valeria Wasserman Chomsky, similarly took meetings with Epstein. In one of these emails, she even begged his pardon for having failed to wish him a happy birthday, writing,
“Hope you had a good celebration!” – Valeria Wasserman Chomsky
Her letters featured the personal invitation to meet with Epstein again.
“Noam and I hope to see you again soon and have a toast for your birthday.” – Valeria Wasserman Chomsky
One such letter from Chomsky to Jeffrey Epstein is notably telling, as it shows deep appreciation for Epstein’s powerful sway. In it, Chomsky highlighted Epstein’s “limitless curiosity, extensive knowledge, penetrating insights and thoughtful appraisals,” asserting that these qualities significantly impacted his thinking.
“The impact of Jeffrey’s limitless curiosity, extensive knowledge, penetrating insights and thoughtful appraisals is only heightened by his easy informality, without a trace of pretentiousness. He quickly became a highly valued friend and regular source of intellectual exchange and stimulation.” – Noam Chomsky
Although their professorial demeanor has made the exchanges seem relatively mild, the records have caused an uproar given Epstein’s history as a convicted sex offender. It was revealed that Chomsky was paid around $270K from an account associated with Epstein. Chomsky was adamant that no single dollar originated with Epstein. He had to get far enough away that he didn’t leave himself open to accusations that he was complicit in Epstein’s financial shenanigans.
This exposure of such connections comes as part of an ever-twisting tale of Epstein’s connections to leading figures in business, academia, politics, and beyond. While some may view Chomsky’s connections with Epstein as merely academic or professional, others see them through a critical lens given Epstein’s legal troubles.
Chomsky, 94, has been in laureate professor at the University of Arizona since 2017. Though now nearly forgotten, he continues to be one of the most influential intellectuals in contemporary discourse. All this begs some hard and unsettling questions about the nature of Epstein’s professional relationships and what professional ethics ought to demand of us.