Professors in the Epstein files say they hoped friendship would lead to research funding

A new trove of documents released by the Justice Department reveals that Jeffrey Epstein's reach into academia was wider than previously known. He maintained close relationships with numerous researchers, who exchanged friendly emails and sought his funding for their projects. Some academics sent him gifts and visited him in New York and Florida, while others offered sympathy as he faced backlash for his crimes. The newly released files have led to scrutiny of several academics, with at least one resignation and another being pulled from teaching while Yale investigates his Epstein ties.