Even before the files were officially released, whispers had begun circulating in certain circles—emails that mentioned the Dalai Lama, cryptic references to “the island,” and casual notes about “seeing him there.”
No one had confirmed anything, yet the timing and secrecy made observers pause. Why would a global spiritual leader’s name appear in communications tied to Jeffrey Epstein at all? And why did the messages hint at meetings that seemed more orchestrated than accidental? Someone was watching, someone was planning—but who, and for what purpose, remained unclear.
The recently unsealed Epstein files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice between December 2025 and January 2026, contained more than 150 mentions of the 90-year-old Dalai Lama. Several emails suggested he might attend events on Epstein’s private island, though none confirmed an actual meeting.
One email read, “About the event I told you almost a month ago on the island, that the Dalai Lama is coming, and I want to go there to see him. I can skip this event if you need my help today.” Another simply stated, “Going now to the event with the Dalai Lama.”
Other correspondence included attempts by Epstein to arrange dinners with the Dalai Lama, occasionally alongside figures such as Woody Allen and Noam Chomsky.
A May 2014 note stated, “Fun dinner would be Dali [sic] Lama. Woody Allen and [Noam] Chomsky. Let’s do it.” Importantly, none of these messages indicated that the Dalai Lama actually attended any of these gatherings.
In response to the attention, the Dalai Lama issued a statement via X:
“Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the Epstein files are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein. We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorized any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf.”
The controversy gained traction after journalist Michael Wolff claimed in a 2025 podcast that he had seen the Dalai Lama at Epstein’s Manhattan residence, implying a potential philanthropic connection. Independently, Jacob Silverman analyzed these claims in a Substack article, noting the Dalai Lama’s past participation in events funded by controversial figures, including a 2009 NXIVM fundraiser that reportedly contributed $1 million. NXIVM’s founder, Keith Raniere, was convicted in 2019 on multiple criminal charges.
As Congress reviews the unredacted files—which could now be copied and disseminated widely—the Dalai Lama’s office acted quickly to clarify public misunderstanding.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the truth was far less sensational than the speculation. While the Dalai Lama’s name appeared in emails, hints, and invitations, there was no context suggesting wrongdoing or personal involvement. His office’s statement was unequivocal: no meetings, no authorization, no connection to Epstein’s crimes.
The files serve as a reminder of how easily association can be twisted into implication, and how fragile reputation can become in an age where even a whisper in a leaked email can echo worldwide. The story was never about scandal—it was about perception, power, and the care required when rumors masquerade as evidence.