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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Sam Levine in New York

Noam Chomsky’s wife apologizes for their ‘grave mistake’ in Epstein ties

Undated photo of Jeffrey Epstein, right, speaking to academic and linguist Noam Chomsk released by the House oversight committee.
Undated photo of Jeffrey Epstein, right, speaking to academic and linguist Noam Chomsky, released by the House oversight committee. Photograph: Epstein Estate/House Oversight/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Noam Chomsky and his wife, Valeria, made a “grave mistake” and were “careless” not to thoroughly research the background of Jeffrey Epstein, Valeria Chomsky said in a lengthy statement on Saturday, adding also that Epstein had deceived them.

The relationship between Noam Chomsky, the 97-year-old linguist and philosopher, and Epstein has been under scrutiny after documents released by the justice department shed light on their friendship. As Epstein came under scrutiny for sex-trafficking allegations in 2019, he asked Chomsky for advice on how to respond. “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,” Chomsky wrote in a message signed “Noam” that Epstein shared in email with an associate.

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