In a significant admission, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman has publicly acknowledged that he had multiple meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after 2015, contradicting his previous statements on the matter. This revelation comes as Hoffman reviewed his calendar entries, uncovering details that he had previously overlooked or forgotten.
Correcting the Record
In 2019, Hoffman told Axios that his last interaction with Epstein occurred in 2015. However, in a recent X post, he admitted this was inaccurate. "I was mistaken," Hoffman wrote, explaining that calendar entries show he met Epstein at least six times after that year. This includes at least three in-person meetings, with five occurring between April and July 2016, and a final meeting on March 24, 2018.
Fundraising Context
The meetings were all connected to fundraising efforts for the MIT Media Lab and were coordinated by Joi Ito, the lab's former director. Hoffman emphasized that his association with Epstein was solely through this fundraising relationship, which he now deeply regrets. "I only knew Jeffrey Epstein because of a fundraising relationship with MIT, which I very much regret," he stated in his post.
Ongoing Transparency
Hoffman has committed to continuing his search for any additional meetings and sharing them publicly. "I have done multiple calendar searches, and if I find any other meetings, I will continue to share them," he assured. This move towards transparency aligns with his call for more information to be provided to Epstein's victims.
Regret and Accountability
Expressing profound regret, Hoffman acknowledged that by participating in fundraising activities with Epstein, he inadvertently helped repair the disgraced financier's reputation. "By agreeing to participate in any fundraising activity where Epstein was present, I helped to repair his reputation and perpetuate injustice. For this, I am deeply regretful," he had said in his 2019 statement. He reiterated this sentiment, urging for full disclosure to aid the victims.
Broader Implications
This admission adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's connections with high-profile individuals in tech, academia, and beyond. Hoffman's case highlights how even limited interactions can have significant ethical implications, especially when tied to institutional fundraising. His call for President Trump to deliver information to the victims underscores the political dimensions of this scandal.
As the story develops, Hoffman's transparency may set a precedent for others linked to Epstein, emphasizing the importance of accountability in addressing past associations with controversial figures.
