Dalai Lama Never Met Jeffrey Epstein, Clarifies Tibetan Leader’s Office

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday strongly rejected claims circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms that sought to link the Tibetan spiritual leader with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The clarification came after reports suggested that the Dalai Lama’s name appeared multiple times in documents released by US authorities as part of the Epstein investigation.

In an official statement dated February 8, the Dalai Lama’s administration categorically denied any association between the two. “Some recent media reports and Social Media posts concerning the ‘Epstein files’ are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the statement said.

“We can categorically affirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or permitted any individual to meet or communicate with him on His Holiness’s behalf,” the office added, seeking to put an end to speculation and misinformation.

The clarification followed a series of reports, including those carried by Chinese state-linked media outlets, which claimed that the Dalai Lama’s name appeared in documents made public by the United States Department of Justice. These documents form part of a massive data release related to the long-running investigation into Epstein’s activities.

Last month, the US Department of Justice released millions of pages of records, photographs, and videos connected to the investigation into Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking network involving underage girls. The release has led to renewed scrutiny of names mentioned in emails and documents associated with Epstein.

While the Dalai Lama’s name appears several times in the documents, international news agency AFP reported that there is no evidence suggesting any direct contact, meeting, or communication between Epstein and the Tibetan spiritual leader. Experts and legal analysts have also cautioned that the mere appearance of a name in the files does not imply wrongdoing or personal association.

The Dalai Lama, now 90 years old, has lived in exile in Dharamsala since fleeing Lhasa in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Beijing has long accused him of being a separatist, a charge he has consistently denied, maintaining that he only seeks meaningful autonomy and the protection of Tibetan Culture and religious freedoms.

china Global Television Network (CGTN), the Chinese state broadcaster, earlier claimed that the Dalai Lama’s name was mentioned at least 169 times in the documents. The network cited an email from an unidentified sender who told Epstein that he was considering attending an event where the Dalai Lama was expected to be present.

“About the event I told u almost a month ago on the island that the Dalai Lama is coming and I want to go there to see him,” the email reportedly said. “However, if you need my assistance today, I can skip this event,” the sender added.

In a subsequent message, the same sender allegedly wrote, “Going now to the event with the Dalai Lama.” However, there is no evidence to suggest that any meeting actually took place. The Dalai Lama regularly addresses large public gatherings around the world, making it possible for individuals to attend such events without any personal interaction.

India’s Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also weighed in on the controversy, warning against dragging the Dalai Lama’s institution into unrelated disputes. Responding on X, Rijiju said that careless associations could harm the reputation of a globally respected spiritual institution.

“It would be detrimental to the revered institution of ‘The Dalai Lama’ to carelessly associate it with the ‘Epstein Files’ or any other controversy. Unconventional relationships, hookup culture, and immoral lifestyles should not make us their victims,” Rijiju wrote.

Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. In 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, he died by suicide in a New York jail, a death that continues to fuel public debate and conspiracy theories.

The Dalai Lama’s office has reiterated its appeal for responsible reporting, urging media organizations and individuals to avoid spreading unfounded claims that could damage reputations without evidence. The administration emphasized that transparency and accuracy are essential, particularly when dealing with sensitive and high-profile matters.