The office of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has dismissed reports suggesting his name appeared in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, asserting that he never met Epstein nor authorised any interaction with him.
The clarification followed recent media coverage and social media discussions attempting to connect the 14th Dalai Lama with files released as part of court-ordered disclosures by the US Department of Justice. Some outlets, including Chinese state-backed platforms that often challenge his legitimacy due to his support for Tibetan autonomy, reported multiple mentions of his name in the records.
Observers have emphasised that references within Epstein-related documents do not automatically imply wrongdoing. The extensive archive contains millions of pages of emails, schedules, contact lists, and third-party correspondence referencing numerous public figures across politics, academia, and civil society, most of whom have not faced any allegations.
Tibetan advocacy groups have also stressed the need to distinguish between being mentioned in communications and having an active association. Available materials reportedly show no indication of illegal conduct, financial dealings, or personal misconduct involving the Dalai Lama. The references are said to be largely connected to public events, academic initiatives, or discussions initiated by intermediaries.
There is likewise no evidence suggesting that the spiritual leader maintained a personal relationship with Epstein, accepted funding from him, or had prior knowledge of his criminal activities, many of which surfaced years later. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while facing serious sex-trafficking charges.
Activists have drawn attention to the timing of the renewed scrutiny, noting that it coincides with heightened global attention on the Dalai Lama following his recent Grammy Award win, which also triggered criticism from China&rsquo;s foreign ministry.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, led the Tibetan government-in-exile until stepping away from political responsibilities in 2011. He fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese Communist rule and was granted asylum in India. Since then, he has lived in Dharamsala, where he continues efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and advocate for greater autonomy.

Office rejects claims, says no meeting or ties despite name appearing in records

Dalai Lama Denies Links to Jeffrey Epstein Files

Office rejects claims, says no meeting or ties despite name appearing in records

February 8, 2026 | 11:20 IST