Naom Chomsky sympathized with Epstein over “horrible” press treatment: documents

• In 2019 emails, Noam Chomsky expressed sympathy for Epstein’s media treatment, calling journalists "vultures" and advising him to ignore the press to avoid "venomous attacks" and the "hysteria" surrounding abuse allegations.
• The documents reveal a deeper relationship than previously known, including Epstein helping Chomsky resolve a $187,000 family financial dispute, introductions to figures like Ehud Barak and Steve Bannon, and Chomsky's interest in visiting Epstein’s Caribbean properties.

Renowned linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky expressed private sympathy for Jeffrey Epstein regarding his treatment by the media in a 2019 email exchange, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice.

The files, part of a massive tranche exceeding three million pages disclosed under congressional transparency laws, highlight a closer personal and advisory relationship between the two men than previously acknowledged.

Chomsky, now 97 and on medical leave following a 2023 stroke, advised Epstein to avoid engaging with the press, describing journalists as "vultures" seeking to provoke further attacks.

The exchange occurred in late February 2019, months before Epstein's arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in July of that year and his subsequent death in custody.

In response to Epstein's inquiry about handling his "putrid press," Chomsky wrote: "I’ve watched the horrible way you are being treated in the press and public. It’s painful to say but I think the best way to proceed is to ignore it."

He further cautioned against public responses, noting that they would invite "an onslaught of venomous attacks," and referenced the prevailing "hysteria" surrounding allegations of abuse against women, suggesting even questioning such charges could be deemed unacceptable.

The documents also uncover earlier interactions dating back to 2016, including invitations from Epstein for Chomsky to visit New York or the Caribbean.

Chomsky responded enthusiastically, stating, "Valeria’s always keen on New York. I’m really fantasizing about the Caribbean island," though there is no evidence he referred to Epstein's infamous Little Saint James island, site of documented abuses.

Additional emails show Chomsky thanking Epstein for "care packages" and involving him in personal financial matters, such as resolving a $187,000 payment dispute with family members.

Chomsky's connections extended to Epstein's network, including introductions to figures like former ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Ehud Barak in 2015 and planned dinners with filmmaker Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn.

In a 2019 email, Chomsky's wife, Valeria, described Epstein as a "very dear friend" while arranging a meeting with Steve Bannon, the former Trump strategist.
Chomsky himself emailed Bannon in 2018, expressing interest in discussions facilitated by Epstein.

In prior statements, Chomsky defended his association with Epstein, noting in a 2023 interview with the Harvard Crimson that Epstein had served his sentence for a 2008 conviction related to soliciting prostitution from a minor, allowing him to re-enter society under standard norms.