In the fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, one MIT scientist, Richard Stallman appears determined to see how far he can push his career in the wrong direction.
The renowned scientist at the institution has drawn a lot of criticism towards himself for the controversial statement that one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, was entirely willing, and should not be described as a victim in the first place.
The professor, a free software icon, claimed that he disagreed with the use of the word “assault” in the context of the acts allegedly committed by the disgraced financier because the woman in question was completely willing.
Stallman allegedly wrote in leaked emails: “The word ‘assaulting’ presumes that he applied force or violence, in some unspecified way, but the article itself says no such thing. Only that they had sex. The most plausible scenario is that she presented herself to him as entirely willing.”
He added that the most plausible option in his own eyes was that the woman had submitted herself willingly and that it was unfair for Epstein to be discussed in a negative light as a result of his involvement with her.
Stallman was reacting to a link that was talking about MIT professor and AI pioneer Marvin Minsky who was accused by Giuffre. The alleged victim said that she was forced to have sex with Minsky when he visited Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Stallman sent the email in a mailing list, and one of his correspondents opted to leak it.
As can be expected, the statements drew heavy criticism, not just towards the professor, but the entire institution itself.
MIT spokespeople have not responded to requests for more information about their position on the situation, although a statement will likely come soon, judging by the controversial and charged nature of this case.
This is not the first time someone has come under fire for expressing an opinion in the Epstein scandal, but most people have been careful with their choice of words to minimize the potential impact on their lives and careers.
Not this one though, as he seems fully determined to test the impact of making such a statement on his work.
MIT Media Lab’s former director Joichi Ito resigned about ten days ago after attempting to conceal Epstein’s donations.
