MIT To Investigate Research Lab’s Ties To Epstein As Director Resigns
The president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has instructed an independent inquiry into the links between a respected research lab at the university and financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Following continuing scrutiny of the centre’s financial dealings with Epstein, the director of the MIT Media Lab, Joi Ito, resigned last week from both the lab and the board of the New York Times Company. MIT and the Media Lab have previously admitted taking some financial donations from Epstein, despite his conviction. However, recent reports suggest that officials at the lab sought to conceal the full extent of his financial assistance.
Recently, one of the co-founders of the Media Lab came forward to defend their choice of accepting funding from Epstein, an accused sex offender. Nicholas Negroponte stated during a town hall meeting that if he could, he would still advise the Media Lab to accept the money. This decision sparked controversy and criticism from the public. When asked to explain himself, Negroponte told the Boston Globe that they were all aware that Epstein had been arrested and convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, but they believed that he had repented and served his time.
Epstein’s 2008 plea deal involving the solicitation of prostitution from a minor was considered lenient, leading to heightened scrutiny in recent months. The Miami Herald articles on the plea deal led to new charges against Epstein by federal prosecutors in New York. As a result, Alex Acosta, who oversaw the deal as US attorney in Miami, resigned his position as US labor secretary. This news was reported by the Associated Press.
