A surgeon in New York is addressing some backlash from LGBTQ media after it was revealed that he once sought funding from Jeffrey Epstein for a documentary focused on transgender health.
Dr. Jess Ting, who works with the Mount Sinai Health System, mentioned in an interview that he couldn’t recall whether Epstein had faced any sex crime charges while he treated several female patients as a plastic surgeon. In addition, records show that he accepted $50,000 from Epstein for breast cancer research in 2013, visited Epstein’s private island that same year, and reached out to Epstein in 2016 for support in producing a documentary about what he referred to as Epstein’s “pioneering” transgender surgical methods.
In related news, emails disclose that Dr. Ting, known for his work in “gender-affirming” surgery, previously approached Epstein about funding a transgender documentary.
He had also asked Epstein for $50,000 towards cancer research and accepted an invitation to the island.
Ting expressed that throughout his career, he has treated a diverse range of patients, from inmates at Rikers Island to high-profile executives and celebrities. “When someone is referred to me, I don’t form opinions about their personal lives,” he said, emphasizing that his main concern is their care.
He noted that he had heard of Epstein’s legal troubles but wasn’t sure when they occurred relative to his practice. Ting clarified that he had not engaged in any inappropriate activities while on Epstein’s island and claimed that his references to “toys” involved activities like riding jet skis.
Having transitioned from orthopedic surgery to leading Mount Sinai’s transgender program, Ting approached Epstein in 2016. He said the institution recognized the need for leadership in transgender health and aimed to create a comprehensive academic program in the U.S. on this subject. He described the idea of a documentary as both “interesting” and “innovative.”
In a follow-up conversation with Epstein in mid-2017, he expressed his enthusiasm for the surgeries aimed at helping individuals transition, stating that he had become deeply engaged in this field.
The emails revealed that Ting had also consulted Epstein about treatment options for a lipoma tumor prior to Epstein’s death in prison in 2019. He referred to Epstein as a “VIP” patient in communications with Mount Sinai, requesting MRI arrangements, and even adjusted schedules for Epstein’s female assistants to accommodate care for him.
Further elaborating, Ting remarked that he perceived his patients as capable adults and had no worries regarding consent. He acknowledged that his professional relationship with Epstein dated back about a decade, asserting he had no regrets about his involvement in advancing gender-affirming medical practices.
Despite facing threats and protests, Ting remains committed to his work in supporting transgender and non-binary patients.
