Duke University professor appears in newest release of Epstein files

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 has learned about a Duke University professor who has appeared multiple times in the newest Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Department of Justice.

The new pages contain the name of Fuqua School of Business professor Dan Ariely, whose research focuses on behavioral economics.

The emails between Epstein and Ariely span almost a decade, between 2010 and 2018.

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One of the conversations includes Epstein arranging for a private Ferrari factory tour for Ariely.

Ariely has not responded to ABC11's request for comment.

However, he did post an op-ed in the Duke Chronicle. The student newspaper was the first to report on this story.

Ariely said, in part, that Epstein's interests did not overlap with Ariely's research, and he never received funding from Epstein.

He went on to say that the contact he had with Epstein was "infrequent, largely logistical, often mediated by assistants."

Ariely said he had no connection with Epstein's criminal activity and was involved in no financial, professional or ongoing relationship.

Duke University also commented on the report, telling ABC11 that "Duke takes the information released on Friday seriously" and is "carefully evaluating it."

"We cannot comment on specific personnel actions that may be taken in response," the university added.

The files released so far have yet to show evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Ariely.

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