Larry Summers Apologizes Over Epstein Emails but Says He Will Continue Teaching Amid Probe

Former Harvard president and economics professor Larry Summers apologized to students for his correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein and said he intends to continue teaching his fall courses even as the disclosures prompt scrutiny and a university review.

On Nov. 18, during the introductory lecture for his course "The Political Economy of Globalization," Summers told students he was "ashamed" of his communications with Epstein and had decided to step back from some public activities. He added that he wanted to fulfill his teaching obligations and, with students' permission, proceed with the scheduled material.

New documents and email excerpts

The comments followed the release by a congressional committee of more than 20,000 documents from Epstein's estate, which included previously unseen emails. The messages show Summers corresponding with Epstein up to the day before Epstein's arrest in July 2019.

Reporting from these records highlighted several troubling exchanges. In one excerpt attributed to Summers, he wrote that men who "hit on a few women 10 years ago" can find themselves professionally sidelined. In another, he sought romantic advice from Epstein, writing in the original email (reproduced as sent):

"I dint [sic] want to be in a gift giving competition while being the friend without benefits. She must be very confused or maybe wants to cut me off but wants professional connection a lot and so holds to it."

Epstein replied with advice that encouraged emotional restraint, advising "no whining showed strength." These exchanges have raised questions about Summers' judgment in continuing to correspond with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

Background on Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution and later served much of a 13-year sentence under work-release conditions. In July 2019 he was arrested on federal charges alleging sex trafficking of girls as young as 14. Prosecutors said Epstein had "sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes." He was found dead in his New York City jail cell about a month after that arrest; his death was ruled a suicide.

Reaction and consequences

The disclosures prompted Harvard to announce a new investigation into ties between Epstein and university affiliates. Prominent public figures called for swifter action. Senator Elizabeth Warren said Summers had "demonstrated that he cannot be trusted," arguing that the conduct made him unfit for positions of trust in universities, corporate boards, or policymaking bodies.

On Nov. 19 Summers resigned his seat on the board of OpenAI. In his resignation statement he said he was "deeply ashamed" of his communications with Epstein and took responsibility for the decision to continue corresponding with him.

The episode has renewed attention on Epstein's network and raised broader questions about how institutions evaluate and respond to ties between prominent individuals and discredited figures. Harvard's investigation and any further institutional responses are likely to shape the next stages of this developing story.