David A. Ross
Case Notes
Former Whitney Museum director; post-conviction Epstein friend; resigned Feb 2026
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
David A. Ross, chair of the Master of Fine Arts in art practice program at New York's School of Visual Arts since 2009, resigned from his position effective February 3, 2026, following the Department of Justice's release of the Epstein Files in January 2026. The newly released documents revealed decades-long correspondence between Ross and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Most damaging were emails from October 2009 in which Epstein proposed funding an exhibition titled 'Statutory' featuring 'girls and boys ages 14-25, where they look nothing like their true ages,' and Ross responded enthusiastically, calling Epstein 'incredible.' Additional correspondence showed Ross expressing sympathy for Epstein's legal troubles and maintaining contact with him years after Epstein's 2008 conviction, including messages in 2015 and 2016 expressing that he missed Epstein. Ross issued a statement expressing remorse, stating he had been 'taken in by his story' and that he 'profoundly regret[s]' his involvement with Epstein while affirming his horror at Epstein's crimes.
Determination Timeline
David A. Ross resigned from his position as chair of the School of Visual Arts MFA Art Practice Department following the release of his email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Document References (0)
NO DOCUMENT EVIDENCE ON FILE.
Media Coverage (6)
Epstein's idea for 'Statutory' exhibit brings down an art world leader
Ross, who served as the chair of the MFA art practice program at New York's School of Visual Arts since 2009, promptly resigned. In one letter, dated Oct. 1, 20…
David A. Ross resigns from New York's School of Visual Arts over friendship with Jeffrey Epstein
David A. Ross, the chair of the Master of Fine Arts in art practice department at New York's School of Visual Arts (SVA), resigned from his role last week after…
SVA Chair's Appalling Epstein Emails
David A. Ross, chair of the MFA art practice program at New York's School of Visual Arts, resigned yesterday from his post following the Department of Justice's…
Beacon Resident Resigns After Epstein Revelation
A Beacon resident who is a well-known museum director resigned his position on Tuesday (Feb. 3) at the School of Visual Arts in New York City following the rele…
Epstein Files Reveal Friendship with SVA Chair David A. Ross
Newly released documents from the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein reveal a close friendship between the late disgraced financier and Dav…
New York School of Visual Arts chair resigns due to Epstein ties
Writer and curator David Ross has resigned from his role as chair of the MFA Art Practice program at New York's School of Visual Arts (SVA) after it was reveale…
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