Read David A. Ross’s Statement About Jeffrey Epstein

I was introduced to Jeffrey Epstein in the mid 1990’s when I was director of the Whitney. He was a member of the Museum’s Drawing Committee. I knew him as a wealthy patron and a collector, and it was part of my job to befriend people who had the capacity and interest in supporting the museum. I retired from museum work in 2001.
In 2008 he was arrested and jailed in Florida, I emailed him to find out what the story was because this did not seem like the person I thought I knew. I emailed him when he got out of jail. He told me that he had been the subject of a political frame-up because of his support of former President Clinton. At the time, I believed he was telling me the truth.
Though I’d had no further contact with him, when years later I read that was being investigated again on the same charges, I reached out to him to show support. That was a terrible mistake of judgement. When the reality of his crimes became clear, I was mortified and remain ashamed that I fell for his lies. Like many he supported with arts and education patronage, I profoundly regret that I was taken in by his story. I continue to be appalled by his crimes and remain deeply concerned for its many victims.

David A. Ross