The wife of renowned linguist Noam Chomsky revealed that her 97-year-old husband was manipulated by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who posed as a philanthropist to gain access to the prominent academic.

Justice Department Files Expose Connection

Recently released Department of Justice documents show that Chomsky advised Epstein in February 2019 on handling negative press coverage. The files reveal Chomsky told the disgraced financier to ignore criticism and referenced what he called hysteria about abuse allegations. Epstein died in a New York prison cell months after receiving this advice from the respected academic.

Valeria Wasserman, Chomsky’s wife, explained that they first met Epstein in 2015 during a professional event. At that time, few people knew about Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Wasserman said Epstein presented himself as a science philanthropist and financial expert, which attracted her husband’s interest and led to ongoing correspondence between the two men.

Wife Details Epstein’s Manipulation Strategy

Wasserman described how Epstein systematically targeted her husband by sending gifts and creating opportunities for discussions in Chomsky’s areas of expertise. She acknowledged they failed to recognize this behavior as a deliberate strategy to compromise the causes Chomsky championed. The couple attended dinners at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and stayed in his New York apartment during visits to the city.

The released correspondence shows Chomsky expressing interest in visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island, writing that he was fantasizing about the location. However, Wasserman insists they never actually visited the island and never witnessed inappropriate behavior involving children or underage individuals during their interactions with Epstein.

Health Challenges Limit Response

Wasserman noted that her husband suffered a devastating stroke in June 2023 and remains under constant medical care, unable to speak or engage in public discourse. She emphasized that Chomsky’s 2019 advice to Epstein came after the convicted offender created a manipulative narrative about his legal situation that her husband believed in good faith. The files also reveal that Epstein facilitated contact between Chomsky and former White House strategist Steve Bannon in 2018.