Fact check: Was Dalai Lama mentioned in the Epstein files at least 169 times?

This story has been updated to reflect new information regarding Dalai Lama's name appearing in the newly released Epstein files.

Update: Dalai Lama recently released a press statement dismissing the rumors attempting to link the him with Jeffrey Epstein. The statement stated, "We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf. "

WASHINGTON, DC: After the Justice Department released new files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in late January, several big names came up in the emails released by the DOJ, sending shockwaves across the globe.

Amid this, a rumor circulated online claiming that the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was mentioned in the Epstein files at least 169 times. But is there any truth to this claim? Let us find out below.

Claim: Dalai Lama's name was mentioned in Epstein files at least 169 times

In early February, a claim circulated online that stated the Dalai Lama was mentioned in the Epstein files at least 169 times. X account @RT_com made a post and wrote, "Dalai Lama met with Jeffrey Epstein — newly released emails. Overall, the Dalai Lama is mentioned in the Epstein files at least 169 times."

The X post also attached a screenshot of an email by the disgraced financier where the Dalai Lama's name was mentioned once. The claim was further shared by several other X accounts.

Moreover, European media outlet Nexta TV also claimed that individuals described as followers of the Dalai Lama may have also met Jeffrey Epstein.

In 2025, journalist Michael Wolff also claimed this in the Daily Beast podcast and recounted that various high-profile figures were present at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse during 'salons' or gatherings. 

Wolff included the Dalai Lama's name and suggested that the reason for his presence was likely financial, as many people visited Epstein to try to obtain money or donations from him for philanthropic purposes.

Furthermore, Wolff’s claim was reported and analysed in articles by independent journalist Jacob Silverman in his Substack piece 'Why Was The Dalai Lama At Jeffrey Epstein’s House?'

As per Silverman, the Dalai Lama had received donations from other controversial figures in the past.

Fact check: False, no evidence to back the claim

The claims made in the online rumors are false, as no evidence backs claims of newly released emails showing the Dalai Lama being mentioned 169 times in his files. 

This claim appears to stem from unsubstantiated social media posts and media reports that exaggerate or misrepresent limited references in the newly released emails and documents.

Moreover, the primary references to the Dalai Lama in Epstein-related materials are minimal (probably one or two instances in emails), involving vague mentions of an 'event' or potential invitations, not extensive personal meetings or wrongdoing.

The '169 times' figure seems to be unverified misinformation, potentially amplified for sensationalism.

Furthermore, Michael Wolff's account, reported in outlets like Jacob Silverman and CounterPunch, lacks corroboration and doesn't involve emails or official Epstein documents.

Meanwhile, there are no appearances of the Dalai Lama in flight logs or black books, dismissing deeper involvement.