Harvard Students Furious After Professor Confronts Epstein Emails in Class and Tries to “Move On”: ‘What a Joke He Is’
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS – Harvard University is facing one of its most chaotic weeks in years after a viral TikTok captured former Harvard president and current professor Larry Summers casually addressing his ties to Jeffrey Epstein at the start of a packed lecture — then trying to continue class like nothing had happened.
Students walked into their Political Economy of Globalization lecture expecting a normal discussion on international economics. Instead, Summers opened with what many described as a stiff, uncomfortable confession about his “regret” and “shame” over past email exchanges with Epstein that surfaced this month in the explosive Epstein files.
After a brief acknowledgment of the scandal, Summers told the class:
“With your permission, I’d like to move forward with the material.”
That one line detonated across the internet.
By afternoon, Harvard had announced it was launching a new review of all remaining university-affiliated Epstein connections — meaning Summers’ attempt to “move on” couldn’t have landed at a worse time.
TikTok Captures the Moment Harvard Students Will Never Forget
The TikTok video, filmed from the middle rows of the lecture hall, shows Summers appearing uncomfortable but determined to push ahead.
Students later said the classroom atmosphere felt “weird,” “tense,” and “out of touch,” especially because the revelations from the Epstein documents were still blowing up online at that exact moment.
The newly released emails included:
- Summers asking Epstein for romantic and dating advice
- Complaints about “cancel culture”
- Conversations implying that women were “less intelligent” than men
Every detail sent the controversy spiraling even further out of Harvard’s control.
A Harvard professor named in the Epstein files😭
byu/velorae inTikTokCringe
The Internet Has Already Made Up Its Mind: ‘He Should Not Be Teaching’
Online reactions have been brutal.
One of the top comments tearing through TikTok and Reddit read:
“What a joke he is. ‘With your permission I’d like to move forward.’ Permission revoked.”
Another user questioned how Summers could remain in any position of authority:
“How can he fairly grade students after showing up in Epstein’s files and talking about intelligence differences between men and women?”
Others pointed out that Summers resigned from his role at OpenAI’s board but still plans to continue teaching at Harvard — a decision many call “insulting,” “tone-deaf,” or “disgusting.”
Harvard Launches New Internal Investigation as Outrage Spreads
The timing was wild. Only hours after the lecture, Harvard publicly announced a fresh review into all university ties connected to Epstein.
That includes:
- Former donations
- Research affiliations
- Administrative connections
- Any faculty communications
Students say this clearly isn’t just a “distraction” or “internet gossip” — it’s a legitimate scandal shaking the campus.
One student wrote:
“This isn’t something you ‘move past.’ This is someone who was emailing a convicted predator asking for advice. Unacceptable.”
Students Say Summers’ Classroom Should Not Be “Ground Zero” for a Scandal This Big
Many students now say they don’t feel comfortable sitting in his class at all.
Others argue Harvard is protecting its insiders the same way it protected Epstein decades ago.
One comment summarized the mood:
“Harvard burying scandals to protect powerful men? Never seen that before.”
Sarcasm — but not even subtle.
What do YOU think — should a professor tied to Epstein emails still be teaching students at Harvard? Drop your thoughts and join the debate at Chicagomusicguide.com.