KEDC suspends use of Lifetouch Services amid Epstein link claims

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation has suspended any current or future use of Lifetouch services.

The national school photography vendor faces online claims that it is linked to Apollo Global Management, whose former CEO, Leon Black, allegedly has financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the Associated Press, there is no evidence that Epstein and his associates had access to Lifetouch photos after several news organizations reviewed thousands of documents.

KEDC says the suspension will continue until it has conducted a deeper investigation into the claims.

“Our children are the heart of everything we do,” said Nancy Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of KEDC. “Their safety and well being rise above every partnership, every contract, and every operational decision. We will always act with care, transparency, and urgency when it comes to protecting the students entrusted to our schools.”

In a public statement, Lifetouch CEO Ken Murphy denies the claims.

“Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files. The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities,” said Murphy.

Murphy says the company is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of students.

“As news media outlets are now widely reporting, these claims are completely false. No Lifetouch executives have ever had any relationship or contact with Epstein and we have never shared student images with any third party, including Apollo.  Apollo and its funds also have no role in Lifetouch’s daily operations and have no access to student images. In fact, Apollo funds did not acquire Shutterfly, Lifetouch’s parent company, until September 2019 — two months after Epstein was put in jail and a month after Epstein’s death,” a spokesperson for Lifetouch told WNKY News.

WNKY News 40 will bring you more information on the investigation as it becomes available.