Author Expresses Disgust Over Noam Chomsky's Epstein Friendship
An author who collaborated on two books with Noam Chomsky has publicly condemned the renowned scholar's friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as newly released files from the House oversight committee shed fresh light on the social relationship between the two men.
Prashad's Heartfelt Letter of Condemnation
Vijay Prashad, a journalist, author, and director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, wrote that he was "heartsick" upon seeing the new correspondence between Chomsky and Epstein. In a letter published on Tuesday, Prashad stated, "When the photos and emails appeared, I was immediately disgusted by Epstein's paedophilia, and so by Noam's friendship with him. There is no defence for this, in my view, no context that can explain this outrage."
Prashad noted that he had no knowledge of the friendship between Epstein and Chomsky while working with the linguist on their two collaborative books. The second of these was Chomsky's most recent and final publication.
Newly Released Documents Reveal Details
The latest disclosure of documents builds upon earlier revelations of close social ties between Chomsky and Epstein. Among the recently revealed messages was one Chomsky sent to Epstein, mentioning he was "fantasizing about the Caribbean island." There is no indication that Chomsky was referring specifically to Epstein's private Caribbean island, where it is known that children were sexually abused.
In late February 2019, Epstein told an associate that he had received advice from Chomsky on how to navigate "the horrible way you are being treated in the press and public." This occurred eleven years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to procuring a person under eighteen for prostitution, and months before he would reportedly die by suicide while in federal custody awaiting sex-trafficking charges.
Chomsky's Controversial Advice
According to a text signed under his first name that Epstein sent to a lawyer and publicist, Chomsky advised, "The best way to proceed is to ignore it. That's particularly true now with the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women, which has reached the point that even questioning a charge is a crime worse than murder." The recipient of that email, Matthew Hiltzik, responded, "I think that is wise."
Neither Chomsky nor his second wife and spokesperson, Valeria Chomsky, have immediately responded to inquiries about the Epstein-related emails in question, including whether they dispute the authenticity of the 2019 advice attributed to Noam.
Chomsky's Current Status and Broader Context
Chomsky, aged ninety-seven, has not spoken out about the latest document release. The famed linguist has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but claimed their relationship primarily revolved around financial dealings. When asked by the Harvard Crimson in 2023 if he regretted meeting with Epstein, he responded, "I've met [all] sorts of people, including major war criminals. I don't regret having met any of them."
Prashad acknowledged the limitations of Chomsky's age on any new explanation, writing, "Since Noam cannot speak or write and explain his relationship with Epstein, the matter is fraught." Chomsky is a professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since October 2023, he has been on unpaid medical leave from his role as a laureate linguistics professor at the University of Arizona, according to a school spokesperson.
Political Background and Future Implications
Epstein's case has garnered intense interest, particularly after his former friend Donald Trump promised to release a full list of Epstein clients while successfully running for a second term in the White House in 2024. Trump, however, faced bipartisan political pressure after his administration declared no such list existed.
Congress later passed a bill directing Trump's justice department to disclose more Epstein files than had previously been released. A tranche of those documents released on Friday contained the additional details about Chomsky's correspondence with Epstein, fueling further public scrutiny and debate over the relationships within Epstein's network.
