Bard College President Leon Botstein Resigns Amid Epstein Ties Scandal

Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College, announced his resignation effective June 30, 2026, amid revelations of his troubling relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement comes after an internal investigation by the law firm WilmerHale uncovered extensive contacts between Botstein and the convicted sex trafficker, including multiple visits to Epstein’s New York townhouse, a two-day trip to Epstein’s private island Little St. James, and flights alongside Epstein and others.

The WilmerHale review detailed Botstein’s involvement in facilitating Epstein’s access to Bard events and musicians, some of whom have since been identified as victims of Epstein’s abuse. Despite previously denying visits to Epstein’s island and downplaying the relationship, the report concluded that Botstein was not fully forthcoming about the extent of his interactions with Epstein. The investigation also criticized Botstein for ignoring warnings from faculty about engaging with Epstein and failing to conduct basic due diligence on a known Level Three Sex Offender.

Botstein, who will remain on faculty and continue leading Bard’s music programs, defended his fundraising efforts and maintained he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities. However, the board’s statement acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to redirect Epstein-linked funds to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.

This scandal highlights a broader pattern of powerful institutions and individuals enabling Epstein’s predatory network, raising urgent questions about accountability and the complicity of elite circles in shielding abusers. Bard College now faces the challenge of restoring trust and implementing stricter vetting of donors to prevent future abuses of power.