A company responsible for photographing millions of students across the United States each year is facing renewed scrutiny following the release of government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Lifetouch, one of the nation’s largest school photography providers, became the subject of online speculation after a former executive connected to its corporate ownership was referenced in the recently released Epstein files.
The Minnesota-based company, which contracts with thousands of public school districts nationwide, issued a public statement addressing what it described as a surge of misinformation. Lifetouch emphasized that no student photographs were ever compromised or accessed by unauthorized parties.
Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, which in turn is controlled by private equity firm Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s co-founder Leon Black resigned as CEO and chairman in 2021 after disclosures revealed he had paid Jeffrey Epstein millions of dollars for financial advisory services. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Black has not been charged with any crime and has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct, stating he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
In its statement, Lifetouch sought to distance its operations from any controversy involving Apollo executives. The company asserted that no Apollo-affiliated individuals ever had access to student image databases. It further stated that it has never sold, licensed, or shared student photographs with third parties, including for artificial intelligence training or facial recognition purposes.
“When Lifetouch photographers take your student’s picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions,” Lifetouch Group CEO Ken Murphy said.
According to the released documents, the only direct reference to Lifetouch was an unrelated payment of $106.70 made to the company by an individual involved in the investigation into Epstein’s death.
Despite the limited connection, the corporate link between Apollo and Lifetouch has prompted concern among some parents and community members.
Clifton Public Schools in New Jersey, one of the state’s largest districts, announced it is reviewing its contract with Lifetouch and meeting with company representatives “out of an abundance of caution.”
Lifetouch released a statement to their page, saying, “At Lifetouch, student safety goes beyond the camera lens. As a trusted partner to schools for 90 years, we’re committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of every student we serve. When Lifetouch photographers take your student’s picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions. Lifetouch does not – and has never provided – images to any third party.”
In addition, several online petitions have emerged calling for school districts to reconsider their relationships with Lifetouch and urging authorities to investigate whether any individuals associated with Epstein or Apollo had access to student photographs.
As scrutiny intensifies, Lifetouch maintains that student data security has never been compromised and that its operations remain independent of any wrongdoing referenced in the Epstein files.
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