Following the release of newly unsealed Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice, the name of the Dalai Lama has surfaced repeatedly, prompting questions and, eventually, a public clarification from his office.
The documents, released in stages between December 2025 and January 2026, contain references to dozens of high-profile individuals connected in some way to Jeffrey Epstein’s social or professional orbit. Among them are political leaders, business executives, scientists, and cultural figures. The Dalai Lama, now 90 years old, is mentioned more than 150 times across the records.
Why the Dalai Lama Appears in the Epstein Files
The references tied to the Dalai Lama do not describe criminal allegations. Instead, they appear largely in the context of emails exchanged by Epstein and his associates, many of which discuss arranging meetings, dinners, or appearances involving prominent public figures such as the Dalai Lama. Also, discussions of him being spotted with Epstein.
One email, cited by CGTN, reads:
=“About the event I told you almost a month ago on the island, that the Dalai Lama is coming, and I want to go there to see him. I can skip this event if you need my help today.”
In a later message, the same individual wrote:
“Going now to the event with the Dalai Lama.”
Attempts to Arrange Private Meetings
Other correspondence in the files shows Epstein actively trying to organise a private dinner involving the Dalai Lama.
In a May 2015 email, Epstein wrote to Soon-Yi Previn, the wife of filmmaker Woody Allen, saying he was “working on the Dalai Lama for dinner.” Around the same time, Epstein sent another message suggesting a guest list that included the Dalai Lama, Woody Allen, and linguist Noam Chomsky.
That same month, physicist Lawrence Krauss emailed Epstein asking whether “dinner with Woody and Dali Lama on May 19th” had been finalised. Krauss added that he would consider flying in specifically for the occasion, noting that May 27th was his birthday and that attending such a gathering would be a meaningful gift.
Epstein’s response to the inquiry was brief:
“Talk tomorrow.”
As with other references, there is no documentation confirming that the proposed dinner ever occurred.
The Dalai Lama Responds
As online speculation intensified, the Dalai Lama’s office issued a public statement addressing the mentions directly.
“Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the Epstein files are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the statement read.
“We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorized any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf.”
Press Statement
Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the “Epstein files” are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein.
We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or… pic.twitter.com/QtV6B3Wr0u
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) February 8, 2026
The statement aimed to draw a clear distinction between Epstein’s efforts to associate with prominent figures and any actual relationship or interaction.
Public Reaction Remains Divided
Reaction to the clarification has been mixed.
Some observers urged caution, noting that appearing in Epstein’s records does not imply wrongdoing. Others argued that all individuals mentioned should be scrutinised equally, regardless of reputation or status.
Online responses ranged from measured takes to scepticism, with some critics referencing unrelated past controversies involving the Dalai Lama to question his credibility, while others dismissed those arguments as irrelevant to the current matter.
A Journalist’s Claim Adds Another Layer
Further complicating the discussion is a claim made by journalist Michael Wolff during a July 2025 appearance on The Daily Beast podcast. Wolff alleged that he had seen the Dalai Lama among several well-known figures at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse.
Wolff suggested that such appearances may have been tied to fundraising or philanthropic efforts rather than social relationships. His claim, however, was anecdotal and not supported by documentation within the Epstein files themselves.
Independent Analysis and Past Associations
Wolff’s assertion was later examined by independent journalist Jacob Silverman in a Substack piece titled Why Was the Dalai Lama at Jeffrey Epstein’s House?
Silverman noted that the Dalai Lama’s office did not respond to his inquiries regarding any potential donations or interactions connected to Epstein. He also pointed out that the Dalai Lama has, in the past, accepted funding from controversial sources.
One example cited was a 2009 appearance at an event hosted by NXIVM, a multi-level marketing organisation founded by Keith Raniere. Raniere was convicted in 2019 on multiple criminal charges and sentenced to 120 years in prison. Reports at the time indicated that the Dalai Lama received approximately $1 million for that engagement.
What Happens Next
Beginning February 9, select members of Congress are expected to review the unredacted version of the Epstein files. Whether additional context will emerge regarding the Dalai Lama or other figures remains to be seen.
For now, the available records show repeated attempts by Epstein and his associates to associate themselves with one of the world’s most recognisable spiritual leaders, but no confirmed interaction. As with much of the Epstein material, the distinction between documented contact and attempted access continues to be at the centre of public debate.
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