The relationship between Bard College President Leon Botstein and the late Jeffrey Epstein is under review by the WilmerHale law firm, according to recent reports. The investigation comes amid allegations from an Epstein victim about Botstein's interactions with the convicted sex offender.

Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who worked as a "staffer" for Epstein, told media outlets that she frequently observed Botstein and Epstein together. She claimed to have witnessed Botstein fly with Epstein to his private island in December 2012. Pozhidaeva alleged that Botstein's reputation as an intellectual helped legitimize Epstein among influential circles.

Botstein has maintained that he never witnessed anything inappropriate in his interactions with Epstein. The Bard College president's communications and relationship with Epstein are now being examined as part of the ongoing review process.

Separately, French authorities have conducted searches at the Paris offices of Edmond de Rothschild bank as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's associates. The probe focuses on a former French diplomat who previously worked at the financial institution.

The searches represent another development in the continuing investigations into Epstein's network of contacts and associates. French authorities have not released additional details about the specific nature of their investigation or the identity of the former diplomat under scrutiny.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts by authorities and institutions to examine relationships and potential misconduct connected to Epstein's activities before his death in federal custody in 2019.