Investigation reveals sexual misconduct allegations at Michigan arts school, including claims involving Jeffrey Epstein

Interlochen Center for the Arts, a summer camp and performing-arts school in Michigan, commissioned a law firm in 2024 to examine reports of sexual abuse by its faculty and staff. The investigation gathered 70 accounts from alumni alleging physical sexual conduct by 47 individuals affiliated with the school from the 1950s through the 2010s, most of which occurred before 2000. The 97-page report described incidents that included grooming, flirting, unwanted touching and sexual activity.

The school has supplied the names of those accused to Grand Traverse County authorities for possible action. None of the individuals are currently employed by Interlochen, and more than a third are deceased.

"We are sorry for the harm experienced by members of our community and extend our apologies to those impacted by abuse at Interlochen," wrote Interlochen president Trey Devey and board chair Barrett Rollins in a letter posted online.

The letter added that while most incidents took place decades ago, the school now operates under revised safety policies and a different culture.

Jeffrey Epstein, who attended Interlochen as a camper in 1967 and later donated over $400,000, is also named in the report. Two women alleged that Epstein engaged in sexual conduct with them while at the school. One said he brushed against her body over her clothing and later paid for her to travel to New York, describing the encounters as leaving her frozen until he stopped. The other recounted giving Epstein a massage at his home, during which he allegedly asked her to remove her top. Both women said they had no further contact with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Federal records and media reports indicate that at least two additional Interlochen alumnae have made grooming and abuse allegations against Epstein and Maxwell, though their identities were not disclosed.