Chomsky's Wife Admits 'Serious Errors' Regarding Epstein Relationship
Valeria Chomsky, wife of renowned linguist and activist Noam Chomsky, has publicly acknowledged "serious errors in judgment" following new revelations about the couple's connections to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement shared with The Associated Press this week, she emphasized that neither she nor her husband ever witnessed any inappropriate behavior during their interactions with Epstein.
Statement Expresses Solidarity with Victims
"Noam and I recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and the profound suffering of his victims," Valeria Chomsky wrote. "Nothing in this statement is intended to minimize that suffering, and we express our unrestricted solidarity with the victims."
The friendship between Epstein and Noam Chomsky has been known for several years, but recently released Justice Department documents reveal a more extensive relationship than previously reported. These documents include a memo suggesting Chomsky was advising Epstein on how to rehabilitate his public image.
Admirers Express Disgust and Revulsion
The revelations have sparked strong reactions from Chomsky's admirers. Vijay Prashad, who has co-authored books on Cuba and the Middle East with Chomsky, released a letter last week stating he was "disgusted by Epstein's pedophilia, and so by Noam's friendship with him."
In her statement, Valeria Chomsky notes she is speaking for both herself and her 97-year-old husband, who has been "confronting significant health challenges" since suffering a stroke in 2023. She attributes their errors to naivety and being uninformed, citing Noam Chomsky's "overly trusting nature" as a contributing factor.
How the Relationship Began
According to Valeria Chomsky, the couple first met Epstein in 2015 and were unaware at that time of his 2008 jail term for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. By 2015, numerous news articles had detailed allegations that Epstein had paid dozens of underage girls for sex.
"When we were introduced to Epstein, he presented himself as a philanthropist supporting science and a financial expert," she wrote. "By presenting himself this way, Epstein gained Noam's attention, and they began corresponding. Unknowingly, we opened a door to a Trojan horse."
Epstein's Manipulative Tactics
Valeria Chomsky recalls that "Epstein began to encircle Noam, sending gifts and creating opportunities for interesting discussions in areas Noam has been working on extensively." She expressed regret that they did not perceive this as "a strategy to ensnare us and to try to undermine the causes Noam stands for."
The couple visited Epstein once at his ranch in New Mexico, attended dinners at his Manhattan townhouse, and stayed at his apartment a few times. Valeria Chomsky maintains the relationship was friendly but entirely professional, with no "children or underage individuals present" during their interactions.
Context of 2019 Email Exchange
In emails exchanged in 2019, months before Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges and died by suicide in his jail cell, Epstein lamented his "putrid" reputation. In response, Chomsky commented on the "horrible way" Epstein had been treated by the media and advised him to ignore it.
Valeria Chomsky argues these remarks should be "read in context." "Epstein had claimed to Noam that he was being unfairly persecuted, and Noam spoke from his own experience in political controversies with the media," her statement explains. "Epstein created a manipulative narrative about his case, which Noam, in good faith, believed in. It is now clear that it was all orchestrated, with at least one of Epstein's intentions being to have someone like Noam help repair his reputation by association."
The statement represents the most comprehensive public response from the Chomsky family regarding their relationship with Epstein, acknowledging misjudgments while defending Noam Chomsky's character and intentions throughout the association.
