URGENT UPDATE: Virologist Nathan Wolfe, a former human biology professor, will conclude his visiting appointment at Stanford University’s bioengineering department effective Monday, following a controversial report linking him to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A spokesperson from the university confirmed that Wolfe’s appointment will not be renewed after a year, amidst revelations of his correspondence with Epstein. This news has raised serious ethical concerns, especially after a recent investigation by The Daily detailed Wolfe’s invitation to Epstein to meet “a couple of hottie interns” and his attempts to secure Epstein as a donor for his research on sexual behavior.
The investigation also uncovered Wolfe’s “horny virus hypothesis,” which he claimed could lead to the development of a “female viagra.” Such implications have intensified scrutiny over Wolfe’s professional conduct and relationship with Epstein.
In response to the allegations, Wolfe issued a statement to The Daily, asserting, “I never witnessed or participated in any misconduct or inappropriate behavior,” while expressing regret over his association with Epstein.
Wolfe, previously serving as the Lorey I. Lokey Visiting Professor of Human Biology, has seen his profile updated on LinkedIn to reflect his role as a “Visiting Scholar” at Stanford from 2023 until February 2026. Despite the recent controversy, Wolfe’s contributions to the Quake Lab remain noted, though his current affiliation with Stanford is now under question.
As this situation develops, the impact of Wolfe’s departure from Stanford highlights broader issues of ethics and accountability within academic circles. The fallout from his connection to Epstein may lead to more significant discussions about the integrity of research funding and the relationships between academic professionals and controversial figures.
Stay tuned for more updates as Stanford University navigates the implications of this unfolding story.
