Dalai Lama's Office Issues Strong Denial Over Epstein Files Connection
The office of the Dalai Lama has broken its silence with a definitive statement denying any connection between the Tibetan spiritual leader and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after the name "Dalai" appeared a staggering 169 times in the recently unsealed court documents related to Epstein's activities, according to an analysis by CGTN citing records published on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
Widespread References Across Multiple Documents
The references to "Dalai" are spread across various types of documents within the extensive file release. These include personal emails and even the index of a book titled "Massage for Dummies," which was included as a scanned document in an earlier batch of released files. The frequency and nature of these mentions quickly sparked media speculation and social media discussions attempting to link the Dalai Lama to Epstein's controversial network.
Official Statement: "Unequivocally Confirm No Meeting"
In response to these reports, the Dalai Lama's office posted a clear statement on his official X account. "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 declared. The office specifically addressed what it called "some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the 'Epstein files'" that were attempting to establish a connection.
The statement represents the spiritual leader's first public comment on the matter since the documents became public. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959 and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, maintains a global following and has historically been involved in dialogues about human rights and spiritual matters.
Context of the Epstein Files Release
The Jeffrey Epstein documents have been released in phases through court orders, revealing details about the financier's associates and activities before his death in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The files have named numerous high-profile individuals from politics, business, and academia, leading to widespread scrutiny and denials from many mentioned.
The appearance of the Dalai Lama's name in these contexts is particularly sensitive given his spiritual stature and the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Tibet. His office's prompt and firm denial aims to quell any speculation before it gains further traction in international media circles.
As the Epstein files continue to be analyzed by journalists and researchers worldwide, more names and connections are expected to surface, potentially leading to further statements from individuals and organizations seeking to clarify their positions regarding the late financier.
