Harvard’s Larry Summers Apologizes for Epstein Ties, Resigns from OpenAI Board
Economics professor and former Harvard University President Larry Summers has resigned from the OpenAI board and stepped back from public duties following the release of emails revealing years of personal correspondence with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, recently disclosed by the House committee, reveal a long-standing relationship between Summers and the late financier, including personal messages in which Summers referred to Epstein as his “wingman.” In a candid moment during a class lecture, Summers openly expressed remorse over his past interactions with Epstein, acknowledging his “shame” while reaffirming his dedication to his teaching responsibilities.
The revelations have sparked widespread outrage and prompted Harvard University to initiate an internal review of faculty members’ ties to Epstein, with several other Harvard staff members also appearing in the documents. As the academic community grapples with the implications of these revelations, the case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of past associations with Epstein and the broader societal impact of such connections.
Summers, who served as Harvard’s president from 2001 to 2006 and later held senior positions in the Obama administration, also resigned from the board of OpenAI Wednesday amid the fallout. His statement to students also came days after a House committee released emails revealing years of personal messages between Summers and Epstein, including exchanges in which Summers referred to the convicted sex offender as his “wingman.” The messages, sent from 2013 to 2019, also show Epstein supporting Summers through 2018, while he was also married, and after Epstein’s conviction.
According to The Harvard Crimson, the university also announced it has launched an internal review into faculty members’ connections to Epstein. Harvard spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain said in a statement to The Crimson that “the University is conducting a review of information concerning individuals at Harvard included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted.” The outlet reported other Harvard staff also appeared in the documents, including Alan M. Dershowitz and English professor emerita Elisa F. New, who is married to Summers.
Online reactions also showed outrage. “They are trying to normalize this. Don’t allow this. It’s not right,” one commentator wrote. “How does Larry Summers still have a job?” another asked. A third called the display “diabolical.” Harvard and Summers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.