The Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most recognizable spiritual leaders, has released a public statement after his name appeared repeatedly in newly disclosed Epstein-related documents.
The files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice between December 2025 and January 2026, include references to numerous well-known individuals connected in various ways to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Among those names was the Dalai Lama, whose name reportedly appeared more than 150 times across the records.
Why the Dalai Lama’s Name Appeared
According to reporting from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on February 5, the Dalai Lama’s name was mentioned more than 169 times in the released documents. Some emails included references suggesting that third parties believed he might attend certain events, including gatherings allegedly planned on an island associated with Epstein.
One email cited in the documents states that an unnamed sender told Epstein they were considering attending an event where the Dalai Lama was expected to appear. Another message later referenced traveling to an event involving the spiritual leader.
However, none of the emails confirm that the Dalai Lama actually attended any such event or had direct contact with Epstein. The Dalai Lama is known to participate in large-scale international events, conferences, and teachings worldwide, often attended by thousands.
Emails About Potential Meetings
Additional emails in the files show Epstein and his associates discussing attempts to arrange a dinner involving the Dalai Lama.
In a May 2014 email, Epstein wrote to Soon-Yi Previn, referencing that he was “working on the Dalai Lama for dinner.” Another email suggested a potential gathering including Woody Allen and Noam Chomsky.
A separate message from physicist Lawrence Krauss asked whether a dinner involving Woody Allen and the Dalai Lama had been finalized. Epstein responded briefly, without confirmation.
There is no evidence in the released records that any such meeting ever occurred.
Congressional Review of Unredacted Files
Members of Congress have now been granted access to unredacted versions of the Epstein files, allowing them to review the full scope of the material and determine whether any information was previously withheld. Lawmakers with access are permitted to make copies and further distribute the documents as part of the review process.
The broader release has renewed public attention on the many high-profile names referenced in the files, which include politicians, business leaders, academics, and public figures.
Dalai Lama Responds Publicly
In response to online speculation and media coverage, the Dalai Lama’s office issued a formal statement via X (formerly Twitter)
“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.”
Past Claims and Additional Context
In 2025, journalist Michael Wolff claimed on a podcast that he had seen the Dalai Lama at Epstein’s Manhattan residence. Wolff suggested at the time that the visit may have been connected to philanthropic fundraising efforts, though no documentation supporting the claim has been produced
Another journalist, Jacob Silverman, later examined Wolff’s allegation in an independent analysis, noting that while the Dalai Lama had not publicly addressed donation details, he had previously spoken at events later linked to controversial organizations.
Silverman referenced a 2009 speaking engagement later connected to NXIVM, a group founded by Keith Raniere, who was convicted in 2019 on multiple federal charges. Reports have stated that the Dalai Lama received a speaking fee for that appearance.
Ongoing Public Scrutiny
The Dalai Lama’s office has emphasized that references in emails or third-party correspondence do not indicate personal involvement or direct contact. As public interest in the Epstein file releases continues, officials and journalists are closely examining context, sourcing, and verified interactions tied to the documents.
The statement aims to clarify the situation and address speculation surrounding the spiritual leader’s name appearing in the record