Recent revelations have surfaced regarding the connections between Harvard professor Anne New, her project “Poetry in America,” and the late Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Epstein’s controversial history and previous ban on donations to Harvard, it appears he had a significant influence on New’s work.
Larry Summers’ Wife Downplays Epstein’s Role in ‘Poetry in America’
Anne New initially nurtured “Poetry in America” with financial support from Harvard. However, over time, Epstein became a notable benefactor. His support included not only direct contributions but also by soliciting funds from his Wall Street acquaintances.
Epstein’s Involvement and Harvard’s Response
- Epstein had previously served a sentence for soliciting a minor and had been barred from donating to Harvard.
- Emails revealed New’s attempts to downplay Epstein’s contributions, referring to him cryptically in communications.
- In the wake of Epstein’s 2019 federal investigation, New claimed to barely know him.
Harvard’s investigations have come under scrutiny. The institution has stated that it would not examine Epstein’s $110,000 donation to New’s nonprofit, Verse Video Education. Documents indicate that Harvard benefited from this nonprofit, which operated from university space until 2019.
New’s Defense and Future of the Project
In a recent statement, New expressed regret for accepting Epstein’s donations. She maintained that her aim remains to provide accessible poetry programming, despite the ongoing controversy. PBS has ceased distribution of “Poetry in America” following the fallout from emails related to Epstein’s estate.
A spokesperson for New’s nonprofit indicated that future distribution channels would be considered while an external law firm conducts a review of the situation.
Many involved in “Poetry in America” have expressed shock at the revelations surrounding New’s ties to Epstein. One former creative producer stated, “I was just disgusted.” New has not addressed specifics regarding her attempts to conceal Epstein’s involvement but denies downplaying his donations.
New and Epstein’s Profound Connections
Summers, New’s husband and a notable figure at Harvard, has also faced scrutiny due to his past associations with Epstein. Their friendship dates back to at least 2005, and emails between the two suggest a rapport that includes intimate discussions and advice.
New has highlighted her contributions to the arts and education while trying to mitigate the backlash from her association with Epstein. Despite the challenges ahead for “Poetry in America,” she remains optimistic about the project’s future.
In conclusion, as investigations continue, the academic community watches closely. The complex relationship between New, Summers, and Epstein illustrates the intricate intersections of power, funding, and ethics in academia.
