Larry Summers, former Harvard University president, has stepped down from his teaching role and directorship at the university amid growing backlash over his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The university confirmed the move on Wednesday, signaling a shift in Summers’ long-standing association with the Ivy League institution. This development comes as Harvard launches an investigation into his ties with Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender. Students at the university released a video that showed Summers on stage expressing shame over his past connections to Epstein.
According to The Harvard Crimson, the change came as the university began investigating Summers’ ties to the late disgraced financier. The move also followed the release of a video showing the professor on stage saying he felt shame over his ties with Epstein. New details of his ties with Epstein emerged when a House committee released a trove of emails of personal messages between the two men. Summers appeared to turn to Epstein for romantic advice. Trump signed legislation allowing the Justice Department to release the files related to Epstein.
Summers’ spokesperson confirmed that he has decided it’s in the best interest of the Center for him to go on leave from his role as Director as Harvard undertakes its review.