The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has announced an independent investigation into the relationship between its Media Lab and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following reports that lab officials attempted to conceal the extent of his financial involvement. The investigation was ordered by MIT President L. Rafael Reif after articles in The New Yorker and The New York Times revealed internal emails suggesting efforts to hide Epstein's donations.
Joi Ito, director of the Media Lab for eight years, resigned on Saturday, effective immediately, along with his position on the board of The New York Times Company. The university stated that Ito's resignation came amid continued scrutiny over the lab's financial ties to Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor.
According to The New Yorker, Epstein helped secure at least $7.5 million in donations from Bill Gates and investor Leon Black, in addition to direct contributions. Internal emails cited in the report showed Ito writing, 'Make sure this gets accounted for as anonymous,' and another staff member referring to 'Jeffrey money, needs to be anonymous.'
Former Media Lab employee Signe Swenson told The New Yorker that Epstein visited the lab in 2015 accompanied by two young female 'assistants,' causing distress among staff. Lab planning for the visit included keeping Epstein's name off Ito's public calendar and avoiding a staff member who disapproved of the association.
In a statement, President Reif called the allegations 'deeply disturbing' and 'extremely serious,' acknowledging that accepting Epstein's gifts 'involved a mistake of judgment.' The investigation will be conducted by a prominent law firm. Ito also resigned from the boards of the Knight Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation, which expressed concern over his behavior.
