David A. Ross, once a titan of the art world who raised hundreds of millions for major museums, now faces professional ruin after his connections to Jeffrey Epstein were exposed in recently released Justice Department files. The 77-year-old former Whitney Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art director has resigned from positions, withdrawn from public life, and issued multiple apologies about being 'mortified' and 'ashamed.'

Ross's downfall stems from emails revealed in the Epstein files showing he maintained contact with the convicted sex offender for years after Epstein's 2006 arrest on charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor. The correspondence included exchanges about potential art projects, including a disturbing proposal for an exhibition on statutory themes that Ross enthusiastically entertained. Ross had defended Epstein to friends, believing he was a victim of political revenge rather than investigating the mounting evidence against him.

Now living in quiet retirement in Beacon, N.Y., Ross confronts the cost of his judgment failures. His wife Peggy notes that even local institutions like their nine-hole golf course have been affected by the scandal. Ross acknowledges that the skills that made him successful—catering to wealthy donors' egos and facilitating deals—may have also made him complicit in sustaining Epstein's reputation. 'I blew smoke at people to raise money,' Ross admits. 'It took years for my lips to heal.'