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Economics professor and former Harvard University President, Larry Summers, commenced his class at the prestigious institution on Wednesday with a candid acknowledgment of his embarrassment concerning his past interactions with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who recently decided to step back from public engagements due to these past connections, took a moment to address the issue directly with his students.
In a TikTok video captured by a student inside a Harvard lecture hall, Summers was seen speaking openly about his past actions before the economics lecture got underway.
“Many of you may have come across my statement of regret where I expressed my deep shame regarding my communications with Mr. Epstein,” Summers stated. “I’ve announced my decision to take a step back from public activities for a period.”
He continued, “However, I find it crucial to meet my teaching responsibilities.”
As students listened attentively, Summers addressed the class in Cambridge, Massachusetts, discussing his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein before proceeding with the day’s academic agenda.
Summers, who served as Harvard’s president from 2001 to 2006 and later held senior positions in the Obama administration, also resigned from the board of OpenAI Wednesday amid the fallout.
His statement to students also came days after a House committee released emails revealing years of personal messages between Summers and Epstein, including exchanges in which Summers referred to the convicted sex offender as his “wingman.”
The messages, sent from 2013 to 2019, also show Epstein supporting Summers through 2018, while he was also married, and after Epstein’s conviction.
Former Harvard University President Larry Summers, left, announces he will step back from public commitments following the release of correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. (Getty Images)
According to The Harvard Crimson, the university also announced it has launched an internal review into faculty members’ connections to Epstein.
Harvard spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain said in a statement to The Crimson that “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.”
The outlet reported other Harvard staff also appeared in the documents, including Alan M. Dershowitz and English professor emerita Elisa F. New, who is married to Summers.
Harvard University has launched an internal review into faculty members’ connections to Epstein. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Online reactions also showed outrage.
“They are trying to normalize this. Don’t allow this. It’s not right,” one commentator wrote.
“How does Larry Summers still have a job?” another asked. A third called the display “diabolical.”
Harvard and Summers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.