Emails show 'Godfather of AGI' Ben Goertzel courted Epstein for funding and congratulated him on jail release
Business Insider
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ben Goertzel, a prominent computer scientist known for advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI), had a controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in Department of Justice files. Over several years, Goertzel courted Epstein for research funding, promising to build what he called the "Sputnik of AI." Despite being aware of Epstein's criminal history, including sex charges, Goertzel accepted significant financial support from him between 2001 and 2018. However, Goertzel later admitted to making a mistake by not conducting due diligence on Epstein's background and expressed regret for his association with the financier.
The emails uncovered in the Justice Department files highlight Epstein's unconventional methods of influencing AI research. For instance, he once pressured Goertzel to change his disheveled appearance to secure more funding, even jokingly comparing Goertzel's ponytail to "spinach in the teeth of a friend." Epstein also sought tangible milestones, such as having an AI pass child IQ tests, and offered financial support through various corporate and nonprofit vehicles. Despite these interactions, Goertzel maintained professional boundaries, never engaging with Epstein socially or witnessing his controversial activities.
Goertzel's story serves as a cautionary tale for professionals seeking funding, emphasizing the importance of ethical due diligence and avoiding associations that could harm one's reputation. The fallout from his connection to Epstein has reverberated through the business world, particularly in AI circles, underscoring the risks of aligning with high-risk individuals. Goertzel's regret and self-criticism highlight the broader lesson about the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and the need for careful vetting of financial backers, even in pursuit of groundbreaking scientific advancements.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/19/2026