Bard College president Leon Botstein told staff at a meeting this week that he expects to be cleared in an inquiry into his communications with Jeffrey Epstein, according to sources who witnessed the remarks.
Botstein reportedly said there was no way he could have known during their interactions over the years that Epstein, who was already a convicted sex offender at the time, was in fact “reprehensible.” He also predicted that he would soon be cleared of any hint of impropriety in connection with the relationship.
The college’s board of trustees hired the law firm WilmerHale in February to conduct an independent investigation into communications between Epstein and Botstein. WilmerHale said the review is still ongoing.
Bard College is a liberal arts institution, and Botstein has served as its president for decades. The inquiry into his ties with Epstein comes amid continuing scrutiny of the late financier’s relationships with prominent figures across politics, academia and business.
The review remains open, and no conclusion has been announced. For now, the law firm’s work continues as Bard awaits the outcome of the investigation.
