UPDATE: David A. Ross, chair of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) MFA Art Practice Department for 17 years, has resigned effective immediately following the release of his controversial email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice unveiled these communications, which have sparked outrage among students and alumni, prompting demands for Ross’s departure.
The emails, dating as far back as 1999, include troubling statements made by Ross after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. In a January 2015 email, Ross expressed pride in his friendship with Epstein, stating it was “depressing” to see him “once again being dragged through the mud.” This revelation has led to intense scrutiny and calls for accountability.
A spokesperson for SVA confirmed the resignation, stating, “We have accepted Mr. Ross’s resignation effective immediately.” This decision comes in the wake of growing pressure from the artistic community and SVA’s student body, who circulated petitions urging the school to cut ties with Ross.
Among the shocking content of the emails, one from July 22, 2009, the day Epstein was released from jail, saw Ross welcoming him with open arms. “Ah… just about to email you a welcome home! glad the nightmare is over, Jeffrey… it was an undeserved punishment foisted upon you by jealous creeps,” he wrote. These communications paint a troubling picture of Ross’s views and relationships during a critical period following Epstein’s conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
In another alarming exchange from October 2009, Epstein proposed funding an exhibition featuring controversial images of minors, suggesting a theme that would be both “fun” and “controversial.” Ross appeared to endorse this idea, calling it “incredible” and a “very powerful” concept. Such exchanges have raised serious ethical questions about Ross’s judgment and his role within SVA.
The emails suggest Ross maintained contact with Epstein even during his incarceration, indicating a troubling familiarity. In April 2009, he noted his role in teaching at SVA while ironically commenting on Epstein’s situation, “Teaching at SVA tonight – senior seminar, preparing these young artists for the real world that awaits them. How fucking ironic can you get!”
Ross, who also claimed to be the special assistant to the president of SVA, faced financial difficulties, revealing he was owed $200,000 by a former partner in London. His financial struggles and affiliations with Epstein have now led to a significant fallout, impacting his career and the institution he represented.
Ross was appointed chair of SVA’s MFA Art Practice program in 2009, after a distinguished career in various art institutions, including the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His recent resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from Epstein’s expansive network and the complex relationships within the art community.
The implications of this scandal extend beyond Ross, as it raises concerns about the wider connections between Epstein and influential figures in the arts and education sectors. Notably, artist Jeff Koons recently confirmed his attendance at a dinner hosted by Epstein, further illustrating the pervasive nature of Epstein’s influence.
As the story develops, the focus will shift to how SVA and other institutions will respond to these revelations and what measures will be taken to ensure accountability and ethics moving forward. The ramifications of Ross’s actions will likely resonate throughout the art world for some time to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
