In recent revelations, the connections between Harvard professor Helen Vendler New and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have come under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding her project, “Poetry in America.” Despite having served time for soliciting a minor for prostitution and being banned from donating to Harvard, Epstein continued to interact with academics at the university, including New, who quietly solicited his financial support during the development of her project.
Emails have recently surfaced, revealing that New sought Epstein’s feedback on an early edit of an interview conducted for the series and cryptically referred to him in correspondence to her staff as “our woody diplomat.” Current and former colleagues have alleged that New consistently downplayed Epstein’s influence over her project, with Epstein being listed merely as “Jeffrey” in some internal communications. After Epstein was implicated in a federal sex trafficking investigation in 2019, New reportedly distanced herself, telling her staff she barely knew him.
The situation escalated earlier this month when PBS announced it would cease distribution of “Poetry in America” and remove it from its digital platforms. This decision came on the heels of the U.S. House releasing emails from Epstein’s estate that illuminated the depth of his association with New. “Poetry in America” was initially set to enter its fifth season on PBS in the spring. The board of New’s nonprofit, which manages the series, acknowledged the need to explore alternative distribution avenues moving forward and has engaged an external law firm to conduct a review.
Staff members expressed shock at the extent of Epstein’s connection to the project. Aaron Blanton, a former senior creative producer, recounted feeling “disgusted” upon learning about Epstein’s involvement. In a statement, New acknowledged her regrets regarding the acceptance of Epstein’s funding but asserted her commitment to continuing her efforts to promote accessible poetry.
Harvard’s prior investigation into Epstein’s ties had led to a conclusion that the university would not pursue an inquiry into his donations to New because those funds were routed through her nonprofit. However, documents now indicate that Harvard not only benefited from New’s work but also provided resources for the nonprofit, suggesting a complex overlap between Harvard’s activities and Epstein’s financial backing.
As the fallout continues, Harvard has announced it will initiate a new review of relationships mentioned in Epstein’s emails, including those involving New and former university president Lawrence Summers. New revealed she wasn’t consulted during the 2020 investigation and claimed she was unaware at the time of Epstein’s ban on donations to the university.
The historical context of New’s connections is further highlighted by her long-standing relationship with Summers, which dates back to at least 2005, and included personal interactions with Epstein. In private communications stretching over several years, Epstein appeared to maintain an informal camaraderie with Summers, discussing various topics and sharing mutual acquaintances.
“Poetry in America” originated from a Harvard online course and expanded through collaboration with the Boston PBS member station, WGBH. Reports indicate that WGBH severed ties with New earlier this year, although the reasons remain undisclosed. Staff members involved in the project have expressed concern over the implications of Epstein’s financial support and New’s decisions to keep this information concealed.
Throughout the evolution of “Poetry in America,” New faced challenges regarding the ethics of featuring celebrities in light of the #MeToo movement. Notably, she chose to archive an interview with Woody Allen due to staff discomfort over his controversial past, further complicating her relationship with the series’ funding sources and partners.
As the revelations about Epstein’s role in “Poetry in America” come to light, reactions from those associated with the project range from disbelief to outrage, suggesting that the repercussions of this association may resonate throughout the academic and artistic communities for some time to come.
