Former Harvard President Larry Summers leaves OpenAI amid Epstein probe
Harvard University is launching an investigation into its former president Larry Summers after Congress released documents connecting Summers to high-profile sex offender Jeffery Epstein.
In 2020 , Harvard released a report revealing that a relationship between Epstein and Summers was already public knowledge.
However, a series of emails released by Congress last week reveal Summers remained in contact with Epstein for years — a fact the New York Times says suggests "a far more intimate relationship than was previously known."
"The university is conducting a review of information concerning individuals at Harvard included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted," a Harvard spokesman, Jason Newton, said in a statement obtained by the New York Times .
Summers served as the university's president from 2001 to 2006 and also served as treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton.
In a statement Wednesday, Summers announced he was stepping down from the board of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
The announcement comes one day after Summers said he would step back from his public commitments, The Washington Post reports .
"I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company and look forward to following their progress," Summers said in a statement obtained by The Washington Post.
On Nov. 12, the House Oversight Committee released a number of documents which included emails tying Epstein to a number of public figures.
Several world leaders, business moguls and American politicians were tied to Epstein based on the documents.
According to The Washington Post , the correspondence showed communication between himself and these public figures well after he pleaded guilty to solicitation, prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor in 2008.
The files reveal two years of regular contact between Epstein and Harvard's former president Summers sharing correspondence on various topics including romantic interests.
The Washington Post reports that at one point, Epstein coached Summers on how to attract a woman.
"I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused," Summers said in a statement obtained by The Washington Post.
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein. While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me."
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