Howard Lutnick has sought to distance himself from the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging that he once attended a lunch on Epstein’s private Caribbean island while firmly rejecting any suggestion of a close personal or professional relationship.

Speaking as renewed public attention focuses on figures who had past associations with Epstein, Lutnick said his interaction was limited to a social occasion and did not extend beyond that meeting.

He emphasised that he had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal conduct and was unaware of the full scope of the allegations that later emerged.

Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, maintained relationships with a wide network of politicians, financiers, academics and public figures over several decades.

In the years since his death, scrutiny has intensified over individuals who visited his properties or appeared in his social circles, even in cases where no wrongdoing has been alleged.

Lutnick’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by journalists, courts and congressional investigators to examine previously sealed documents and clarify the nature of Epstein’s connections.

Several high-profile figures have issued statements in recent years acknowledging limited contact with Epstein while denying knowledge of or participation in any illegal activity.

In his comments, Lutnick said he believes transparency is important but stressed that casual or isolated encounters should not be conflated with complicity.

He described the lunch as a brief social engagement, adding that he has never been accused of misconduct in connection with Epstein.

The renewed focus underscores the enduring impact of the Epstein case, which continues to reverberate through political, financial and cultural institutions as further records and testimony become public.