Backlash over Epstein ties is out of control

To the editor,

The demand by Morgan Evers, the challenger to Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz in the June Democratic primary, that Dinowitz return Brad Karp’s $1,000 campaign donation because of Karp’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein is one small, but absurd, example of how Epstein-shaming has gone too far.

Take, for example, Karp himself, who resigned as chairman of law firm Paul Weiss based on the revelation of friendly email exchanges between him and Epstein, including Karp’s attempt to have Epstein help his son, an aspiring filmmaker, connect with Woody Allen, and Karp dispensing informal legal advice to Epstein. 

Apparently, the transactional nature of these communications is fairly typical of those who have fallen into public disgrace based on their Epstein ties. Along with bawdy jokes, gossip and other banalities. With all the hoopla over the release of the Epstein files, there doesn’t seem to be much “there” there.

Much has been made of the fact that many of those who associated with Epstein knew — or should have known — that he had been convicted in 2008 of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor, and that the activity for which he was convicted was part of a larger pattern of behavior. While strict laws have the effect of socially ostracizing convicted sex offenders even after they have done their time, however, there is nothing illegal per se in associating or socializing with a convicted sex offender. 

Would associating with Epstein, even for reasons of pure self-interest, without personally engaging in Epsteinesque activities, have been immoral? I’m not so sure. I am sure, however, that many of those who appear to be outraged by Epstein’s hangers-on for turning a blind eye to Epstein’s creepy predilections are MAGA supporters who overlook President Trump’s moral depravity because they like his policies. Or, are leftists who otherwise profess the belief that convicted criminals should be fully accepted into society once they have completed their sentences, and should not be denied employment or housing based on their history. 

ZACHARY BERMAN