Epstein victim says Bard president helped legitimize sex offender

Leon Botstein, president of Bard College, is facing allegations from an Epstein victim that he helped legitimize the convicted sex offender through their association and social proximity. Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who worked for Epstein, told the Guardian she saw Botstein with Epstein "quite frequently," including on a trip to Epstein's island in December 2012, and believes his reputation as a "sophisticated intellectual" lent credibility to the financier. Botstein's communications and relationship with Epstein are currently under review by the WilmerHale law firm, while the Bard president has stated he never witnessed anything inappropriate. The allegation adds to scrutiny of prominent figures who maintained social or professional ties with Epstein during his operating years. Botstein's role at one of the country's leading liberal arts colleges makes the review particularly significant for the institution's reputation.