A former Harvard luminary has come under scrutiny following revelations from the Epstein files, which expose his unreserved enthusiasm for the notorious sex offender’s release from prison. The individual in question, Stephen Kosslyn, now 77, held prestigious positions as the chair of the psychology department and the dean of social sciences at the esteemed Ivy League institution during the late 1990s.
Kosslyn’s involvement with Jeffrey Epstein was highlighted in Harvard’s 2020 report, which scrutinized the university’s connections with the disgraced financier. The report revealed that Kosslyn played a pivotal role in strengthening Epstein’s ties to Harvard by recommending him for a Visiting Fellow position, a title Epstein obtained in 2005.
In July 2009, following Epstein’s release from Palm Beach County jail, where he served 13 months for solicitation and prostitution involving a minor, he reached out to Kosslyn with an email stating, “Home and free.” Despite the gravity of Epstein’s conviction, Kosslyn responded exuberantly, writing, “HI Jeffrey!!!!! THIS IS FABULOUS!”
Kosslyn further elaborated in his message, mentioning his travels, “I’m currently in San Francisco, about to go to San Diego today. I’ll give you a quick call at some point just to check in,” and concluded with a casual sign-off as “S.”
Despite Epstein’s sordid conviction, the Professor Emeritus celebrated his release, writing back: ‘HI Jeffrey!!!!! THIS IS FABULOUS!’
‘I’m currently in San Francisco, about to go to San Diego today. I’ll give you a quick call at some point just to check in,’ he added, before signing off as ‘S’.
Kosslyn often discussed science with Epstein and described him as the ‘only collaborator’ on one of his sociology theories, according to a letter of recommendation he wrote for the financier seen by the New York Times.
‘I wish I could have even a single student who asks such good questions,’ the professor wrote.
Longtime former Harvard professor Stephen Kosslyn has been exposed in the Epstein files for celebrating the prison release of the convicted sex offender in a simpering email
Kosslyn has been named and shamed in Harvard’s report into its close ties with Epstein as the professor who deepened the relationship by recommending him as a Visiting Fellow
When Epstein was released from Palm Beach County jail in July 2009 after serving 13 months for solicitation and prostitution with a minor, he wrote to Kosslyn saying: ‘Home and free’. Despite Epstein’s conviction, Kosslyn celebrated his release in the email shown above
When Harvard began investigating its professors’ ties to Epstein, Kosslyn admitted that Epstein was not qualified to conduct the research involved in his coveted fellowship role.
Despite his lack of qualifications and the fact Epstein contributed little to the school beyond his monetary donations, he was approved for a second year in 2006.
Kosslyn stayed in close contact with Epstein even after his conviction on child sex crimes, and visited him in jail, according to prison house logs.
When Kosslyn published a book in 2013, he told Epstein he would email and autograph a copy for him, and even unashamedly listed the sex offender in the author’s notes.
The Daily Mail has contacted Kosslyn for comment.
Harvard spokesman Jason Newton told the NYT the probe into Kosslyn and others’ connections to Epstein is ongoing.
‘The university will continue to evaluate, based on its ongoing review, what additional actions may be warranted considering information that has come to light in these documents,’ he said.
Epstein began donating to the elite school in 1998, and by the time of his 2006 arrest in Florida, he had sent 22 gifts to the college, worth a total of $8.4 million.
The gifts included $200,000 to support Kosslyn’s research.
When Harvard began investigating its professors’ ties to Epstein, Kosslyn admitted that Epstein was not qualified to conduct the research involved in his coveted fellowship role
Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, and indicted in 2019 for sex trafficking minors throughout the 2000s. He is pictured with Donald Trump in 1997
Epstein provided tax and estate services to billionaires, making connections with the rich and famous over decades.
He was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, and indicted in 2019 for sex trafficking minors throughout the 2000s.
Epstein died in custody awaiting his trial. His death was ruled a suicide.
The US government has been releasing files related to his correspondences, including the emails he shared with Kosslyn.
Pam Bondi, 60, was recently fired from her role as attorney general after months of scandal over her handling of the Epstein files.
