Renowned American scholar Noam Chomsky expressed empathy towards Jeffrey Epstein for the harsh treatment he received from the press, advising him to stay out of the limelight and avoid media scrutiny. This revelation comes from recently disclosed US government documents, shedding light on a previously undisclosed bond between the late financier and the respected left-leaning academic.
In a communication dating back to February 2019, Chomsky responded to Epstein’s plea for guidance on handling negative media coverage, condemning the press and public for their treatment of Epstein. Chomsky, now 97, cautioned Epstein against providing a public response, warning of the ensuing onslaught of criticism and sensationalism.
The email exchange occurred several months before Epstein’s arrest on charges related to child sex trafficking, leading to his death in a New York prison cell in August of the same year. Past records have shown that Chomsky maintained a connection with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution, as evidenced by a photo showing them seated together on a plane.
Chomsky defended his association with Epstein by stating that Epstein had served his sentence and reentered society in accordance with prevailing norms. Additional emails released recently unveil the extent of Chomsky’s social links with Epstein, including plans for a meeting with Steve Bannon, a key figure in Donald Trump’s presidency.
In one instance, Chomsky’s wife Valeria expressed excitement about meeting Bannon, copied to Epstein, referring to Epstein as a close friend. In another exchange from 2016, Epstein invited Chomsky to either New York or a location believed to be Epstein Island in the Caribbean. Chomsky’s response indicated gratitude for the gesture and hinted at interest in visiting the Caribbean.
It is important to note that the presence of individuals’ names in the Epstein files does not automatically imply any wrongdoing on their part. However, the recently disclosed documents reveal connections between Epstein, his associates, and certain public figures who have either played down or denied such associations in the past.
