Valeria Chomsky, the wife of renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky, has issued a comprehensive public apology for what she describes as a "grave mistake" in their association with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a detailed statement released on Saturday, she acknowledged that the couple had been "careless" in not thoroughly researching Epstein's background before engaging with him.
Scrutiny Over Epstein Friendship
The relationship between the 97-year-old academic and Epstein has come under intense scrutiny following the release of documents by the US justice department, which shed new light on their friendship. Valeria Chomsky stated that Epstein had "deceived" them, presenting himself as a philanthropist interested in science when they were introduced in 2015.
She revealed that the couple was unaware of Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18 at the time. "We were careless in not thoroughly researching his background. This was a grave mistake, and for that lapse in judgment, I apologise on behalf of both of us," she wrote.
Communications and Advice
Among the communications revealed is a message from Noam Chomsky to Epstein in 2019, as Epstein faced sex trafficking allegations. Chomsky advised him to ignore the press coverage, writing: "I've watched the horrible way you are being treated in the press and public. It's painful to say, but I think the best way to proceed is to ignore it."
Valeria Chomsky emphasised that this advice should be understood "in context," explaining that Epstein had claimed to be unfairly persecuted and that Noam spoke from his own experience with media controversies. "Epstein created a manipulative narrative about his case, which Noam, in good faith, believed in," she said.
Social Engagements and Financial Transactions
The statement detailed several social engagements with Epstein, including dinners at his New York City townhouse, stays at his apartments in Paris and New York, and a visit to his ranch in New Mexico. Valeria Chomsky stressed that they "never went to his island or knew about anything that happened there."
She also clarified two financial transactions between Chomsky and Epstein:
- Epstein sent a $20,000 cheque as part of a linguistic challenge developed by Noam Chomsky.
- Epstein helped recover $270,000 for Chomsky after inconsistencies were discovered in his retirement resources, acting as a financial advisor for this specific matter.
Valeria Chomsky asserted that Epstein never had access to their bank or investment accounts, and neither had investments with Epstein's office.
Post-Stroke Reflections
Valeria Chomsky noted that Noam Chomsky, who suffered a massive stroke in 2023, had shared with her before his stroke that he felt the same way about their association with Epstein. "It was deeply disturbing for both of us to realise we had engaged with someone who presented as a helpful friend but led a hidden life of criminal, inhumane, and perverted acts," she wrote.
She added that Epstein's intention was likely to repair his reputation by association with someone of Noam Chomsky's stature. "Epstein began to encircle Noam, sending gifts and creating opportunities for interesting discussions... We regret that we did not perceive this as a strategy to ensnare us," she stated.
The apology comes as part of ongoing revelations about Epstein's connections with prominent figures, with the House oversight committee releasing further documents that include messages showing Chomsky describing regular contact with Epstein as a "most valuable experience."
