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> The problem I have here is that the situation departs sharply from "guilt by association" to "willing and knowing partner in crime", where those crimes includ

> The problem I have here is that the situation departs sharply from "guilt by association" to "willing and knowing partner in crime", where those crimes include rape, child trafficking, and worse. I don't pretend to know what Edge has been up to, but this article doesn't actually pin anything like that on Edge. The case presented against Edge seems to boil down to these points: 1. Funded by Epstein. 2. Brockman once made a 'slightly lechy' remark about the authors body, is full of himself, and hangs out with billionaires. 3. A 'subset' of Edge members are right-wing. 4. Searle is a creepy sex pest, and not as smart as people say. > The Edge nowhere carries any prominent mention, nor apology for, its associations with Epstein This does seem like a red flag to me as well, but I can't rule out the mundane explanation that they're too embarrassed to apologize about it, thinking that would make them look guilty or give them bad SEO or something. I think they should put a denouncement of Epstein on their website, but I can't take their failure to do so as strong evidence of complicity. It could simply be misguided ass-covering. You're talking about Edge being a knowing and willing partner in rape and child trafficking, but strong allegations like that should be backed with stronger evidence than what has been given.

dredmorbius 4y ago
My understanding is that Epstein's associations were common knowledge for quite some time, and that recipients of his largesse either turned a blind eye (with awareness) or deliberately avoided finding out just what his activities were. Joi Ito of M.I.T.'s Media Lab did apologise in 2019, three years ago: <https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/my-apology-regarding-jeffrey-epstein/ https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/my-apology-regarding-jeffrey...> I'm not fully aware of timelines and awareness, though it's safe to say that HN is now fully aware of Epstein's activities and crimes, and his role in the tech world as a so-called philanthropist. Another question of which I'm not clear is the extent to which Epstein's crimes were facilitated by or occurred through such organisations. I've recollections of mentions of parties and such, and of Epstein's reputation for having attractive women present (I've no links at the moment). Epstein was sentenced to prison in 2008, served until 2011, for "procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18". This should have been well known by the early 2010s. And stands in distinct contrast with the earlier non-prosecution agreement (2006-8). Sexual assault allegations date to the 1970s (Jane Does v. Epstein). <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein#Legal_proceedings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein#Legal_proceedi...> <https://www.businessinsider.com/9-accusers-bring-new-lawsuit-against-jeffery-epsteins-estate-2020-8 https://www.businessinsider.com/9-accusers-bring-new-lawsuit...>

dredmorbius 4y ago

My understanding is that Epstein's associations were common knowledge for quite some time, and that recipients of his largesse either turned a blind eye (with awareness) or deliberately avoided finding out just what his activities were. Joi Ito of M.I.T.'s Media Lab did apologise in 2019, three years ago: <https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/my-apology-regarding-jeffrey-epstein/ https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/my-apology-regarding-jeffrey...> I'm not fully aware of timelines and awareness, though it's safe to say that HN is now fully aware of Epstein's activities and crimes, and his role in the tech world as a so-called philanthropist. Another question of which I'm not clear is the extent to which Epstein's crimes were facilitated by or occurred through such organisations. I've recollections of mentions of parties and such, and of Epstein's reputation for having attractive women present (I've no links at the moment). Epstein was sentenced to prison in 2008, served until 2011, for "procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18". This should have been well known by the early 2010s. And stands in distinct contrast with the earlier non-prosecution agreement (2006-8). Sexual assault allegations date to the 1970s (Jane Does v. Epstein). <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein#Legal_proceedings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein#Legal_proceedi...> <https://www.businessinsider.com/9-accusers-bring-new-lawsuit-against-jeffery-epsteins-estate-2020-8 https://www.businessinsider.com/9-accusers-bring-new-lawsuit...>