Documents show how Jeffrey Epstein tried to court renowned Penn psychology professor Martin Seligman

February 25, 2026 - 14:31

Previously undisclosed correspondence has shed light on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein's attempts to forge a connection with Dr. Martin Seligman, a foundational figure in the field of positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. The emails, dated 2010, indicate a deliberate courtship by Epstein, who sought to associate himself with Seligman's academic prestige.

In one message, Epstein explicitly noted that Seligman had been a guest at his sprawling Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico. Epstein referred to the professor as "great," underscoring his apparent desire to cultivate a relationship with the renowned scholar. The context of the visit and the nature of their discussions during that time remain unclear from the correspondence alone.

The revelations contribute to a broader, disturbing pattern of Epstein leveraging his wealth to gain access to intellectuals, scientists, and other prominent individuals. His interactions with academia have come under intense scrutiny, with several institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, facing criticism for their past associations with the convicted sex offender. These documents specifically highlight his targeted outreach to Seligman, whose work on human flourishing and well-being stands in stark contrast to Epstein's criminal actions. The University of Pennsylvania has previously stated that Seligman's limited contacts with Epstein were related to fundraising discussions for the university, which ultimately did not materialize.