Paleontologist Jack Horner, who advised on several films in the Jurassic franchise, has appeared in emails included in the Epstein files.
According to a report by the BBC, Horner has also stepped down from his position at Chapman University following the release of those communications, though it's unclear whether he resigned or was let go.
Jack Horner's Association With Jurassic Park
The world-renowned paleontologist has long been associated with the hugely successful Jurassic franchise for decades, having served as a technical advisor on Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and Jurassic Park III (2001). He later returned for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).
He also partially inspired the character of Dr. Alan Grant (played by Sam Neill in the films) in Michael Crichton’s original 1990 novel.
Related: ‘Jurassic Park' (1993) Reimagining Brings Back Legacy Actors : Disney Fanatic
What Do the Emails Show?
The BBC has reported that emails from 2012 show that the paleontologist visited Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch in New Mexico. At the time, Horner was working as a lecturer at Montana State University.
One message reportedly sent in August 2012 read: “I wanted to thank you for all your help in getting me to Jeffrey's ranch, it was a lot of fun.” The email continued: “Jeffrey and the girls were very gracious hosts… Please give my best to Jeffrey and the girls.”
Another exchange cited by the BBC shows Horner requesting funding for a research project, initially estimating the cost at $15,000 before revising the amount to $8,650. Epstein replied: “Great, check made to???”
Horner Speaks Out
Horner has addressed the emails in a statement. He said the term “girls” referred to four women he was introduced to as college students and that he regrets using that wording. “In retrospect, I regret that I did not investigate Epstein's background beyond what was commonly known at the time, something that I had never done with other potential donors,” Horner said. “That is a lesson learned!”
He also said that nothing about his brief visit raised concerns at the time.
“When the full extent of Epstein's crimes became public in 2019, I reflected back upon my limited interactions with him,” Horner said. “Nothing I observed or experienced during my short stay at the ranch indicated or suggested the conduct that came to light.”
Appearing in the Epstein files does not imply wrongdoing, and Horner has stressed that he observed nothing suspicious during his visit.
