The Dalai Lama’s office has strongly refuted social media and media claims linking the spiritual leader to late financier Jeffrey Epstein
Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh): The office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday denied recent reports attempting to associate the Tibetan spiritual leader with the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Dalai Lama’s office denies link to Jeffrey Epstein
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The office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday dismissed recent reports attempting to associate the Tibetan spiritual leader with the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In an official press statement, the office said, “We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf.” The statement was also shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The clarification comes after the US Department of Justice released a major batch of investigative materials related to Epstein on January 31. The disclosures included more than three million pages of records, over 2,000 videos and approximately 180,000 images.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release fulfilled a transparency mandate under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was passed by Congress last year.
Prominent names appear in documents
The released materials contain images showing figures such as Bill Gates, Steve Bannon, Woody Allen and former US President Bill Clinton socialising with Epstein. However, none of those depicted have been charged in connection with his crimes.
Authorities have emphasised that appearance in the documents does not imply criminal liability.
Review process and legal background
Officials said hundreds of lawyers were assigned to review the files to determine necessary redactions in order to protect victims’ identities and avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
Epstein died by apparent suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges. He had previously served 13 months in custody in Florida following a controversial plea deal in 2008.
The Dalai Lama’s office reiterated that neither His Holiness nor anyone authorised by him has ever met or interacted with Epstein.
Published: 08 Feb 2026, 01:37 pm IST
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