Dharamsala, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Dalai Lama's office has categorically dismissed media reports that suggest any connection between the Tibetan spiritual leader and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This statement follows various media outlets referencing documents from the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), which allegedly mention the Dalai Lama's name 169 times in the controversial Epstein files.

Some reports claim the spiritual leader's name appeared in numerous personal emails and within the index of a book titled 'Massage for Dummies', which was part of the scanned documents released earlier in the Epstein case.

In light of these assertions, the Dalai Lama's office provided a statement that firmly denies any insinuation of a link.

“Recent media reports and social media posts regarding the ‘Epstein files’ are trying to connect His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the statement asserted.

“We can categorically affirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or permitted any engagement with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf,” it continued.

Reports have also cited emails from October 2012 that purportedly contained references suggesting a meeting between the Tibetan leader and Epstein, indicating that the Dalai Lama was expected to attend an event alongside him.

Additionally, the European media outlet 'Nexta TV' claimed that individuals identified as followers of the Dalai Lama might have interacted with Epstein, further igniting speculation about potential indirect connections.

The topic gained traction last year when journalist Michael Wolff made remarks during an appearance on the 'Daily Beast' podcast.

Wolff discussed gatherings, referred to as “salons,” that were allegedly hosted at Epstein’s Manhattan residence and attended by numerous high-profile figures.

In naming attendees, Wolff included the Dalai Lama and speculated that the spiritual leader’s presence, if any, might have been linked to fundraising or philanthropic endeavors, as various individuals sought Epstein for financial support.

Independent journalist Jacob Silverman later referenced Wolff’s assertions in an article titled “Why Was The Dalai Lama At Jeffrey Epstein’s House?”

In his piece, Silverman noted that the Dalai Lama’s office did not respond to inquiries at the time concerning whether the organization had accepted any donations from Epstein or had any relationship with him.

This controversy has resurfaced after the US DoJ recently issued a substantial collection of records associated with Epstein.

Reportedly, the release includes over three million documents, more than 2,000 videos, and approximately 180,000 photographs related to the disgraced financier’s activities.

According to reports, the newly unveiled documents reference several influential figures across various sectors, including political leaders, business magnates, and globally recognized personalities.

Names appearing in various reports include current and former US Presidents like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, alongside business leaders such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk, among others.