Bard College President's Epstein Ties Under Scrutiny Amid Victim Allegations
A victim of Jeffrey Epstein has come forward with allegations that Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, played a role in rehabilitating the late sex offender's reputation through their association. Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who worked for Epstein, claims Botstein's intellectual stature helped lend credibility to Epstein, whose relationship with the college president is now under an independent review by the law firm WilmerHale.
Victim Details Interactions and Trips
Pozhidaeva, who previously disclosed abuse anonymously in a Wall Street Journal article, told the Guardian she saw Botstein with Epstein "quite frequently," including on a trip to Epstein's island in December 2012. She described Botstein as a "sophisticated intellectual" whose presence made Epstein "look not as bad" among high-level professionals. Pozhidaeva emphasized that Epstein's connections with influential figures like Botstein made it difficult for victims to question his behavior.
Independent Review and College Response
In February, Bard's board of trustees announced that WilmerHale would review the full scope of Botstein's communications with Epstein, financial contributions linked to Epstein, and related matters. Jennifer Strodl, Bard's director of communications, stated that Botstein supports the review and has denied witnessing anything inappropriate, calling Epstein's crimes "monstrous." The controversy has sparked broader evaluations of Botstein's 50-year tenure, including his views on sexual politics and the college's handling of assault allegations.
Email Evidence and Trip Details
Emails released in Epstein files show logistical planning for the 2012 island trip, where Botstein traveled with billionaire Leon Black and his family. Correspondence indicates Botstein's assistant inquired about transportation from Black's boat to Epstein's house, with Epstein's assistant replying "via boat." Pozhidaeva confirmed she was on the flight, though her name is redacted in emails. Botstein's spokesperson claimed he fell ill and isolated himself, but Pozhidaeva disputes this, noting she would have been told to isolate due to Epstein's paranoia about illness.
Further Interactions and Smolny Program
Emails reveal Epstein contacted Botstein in 2014 about sending Pozhidaeva to Smolny, a Russian college with a dual credit program with Bard. Botstein provided faculty contacts and advised routing funding through Bard for safety. Pozhidaeva expressed confusion about her role, asking Epstein if she should say she worked for a "private investor." It remains unclear if Epstein funded Smolny, as Bard's program in Russia ended in 2021 when the government declared it "undesirable."
Meeting Parents and Aftermath
In 2015, Botstein met Pozhidaeva's parents in Moscow after a concert, arranged through Epstein's assistant. Pozhidaeva reflected that this meeting increased her parents' trust in Epstein, who they believed was her employer. Botstein did not respond to questions about this encounter. Pozhidaeva, who has changed her name, described how Epstein controlled her physically and emotionally, leading to significant weight loss and a loss of autonomy.
The Guardian's interview with Pozhidaeva highlights the ongoing impact of Epstein's crimes and the scrutiny on those associated with him. As the WilmerHale review proceeds, Bard College faces increased pressure to address these allegations and ensure accountability in its leadership.
