Bard Opens Review of President’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Bard College said it has opened an independent review of President Leon Botstein’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein after Justice Department emails showed a closer relationship than previously known. The board of trustees retained the law firm WilmerHale to conduct the review.

The released messages include Botstein saying he cherished his "new friendship" with Epstein and signing one in 2013, "Miss you." Botstein visited Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse multiple times, Epstein flew his helicopter along the Hudson and landed on Bard’s campus, and women were said to be in tow at least once.

The two also worked together to buy a rare, expensive watch. Botstein, who has led the college since 1975, has maintained that his aim was to coax a major donation and said the relationship began with a small unsolicited gift in 2011.

United States, Manhattan

bard college, leon botstein, jeffrey epstein, wilmerhale, independent review, justice department, manhattan townhouse, helicopter landing, rare watch, trustees