Renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, who served as a scientific consultant on every Jurassic Park film, is no longer affiliated with Chapman University after his name appeared in newly released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The Southern California university confirmed that Horner has parted ways with the institution, though officials declined to clarify whether he resigned or was dismissed. The development was first reported by The Panther Newspaper, Chapman University’s independent student publication.
Horner, a prominent figure in paleontology and a longtime adviser to the Jurassic Park franchise, played a major role in shaping the scientific vision behind the films. His research helped inspire the character Dr. Alan Grant in Michael Crichton’s 1990 novel Jurassic Park, later portrayed by Sam Neill in several installments of the blockbuster movie series.
The controversy emerged after emails Horner sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2012 were included in a recent release of documents connected to the disgraced financier, who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The messages reportedly referenced discussions about a possible donation to Horner’s scientific research, specifically his well-known “DinoChicken Project,” an experiment aimed at exploring the evolutionary connection between birds and dinosaurs.
In a personal statement posted on LinkedIn earlier this year, Horner acknowledged corresponding with Epstein but insisted he believed Epstein was simply a wealthy supporter of scientific research. Horner said he was aware Epstein had previously served time related to soliciting a prostitute but claimed he had no knowledge of other allegations at the time.
“I knew Epstein only as a wealthy science enthusiast who had donated to major academic institutions,” Horner wrote. “I was aware he had been charged with soliciting a prostitute and served time, but I knew nothing of any additional allegations or misconduct. I want to be absolutely clear: I knew nothing more than that.”
Horner also confirmed that he accepted an invitation to visit Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, a property that has since come under renewed scrutiny by investigators. After the trip, Horner reportedly sent an email describing the visit and thanking Epstein for the hospitality, noting the landscape and natural features of the ranch. In the email, he referenced that “Jeffrey and the girls were gracious hosts,” a phrase that has drawn particular attention following the release of the documents.
Addressing that portion of the correspondence, Horner explained that he was greeted by several individuals at the ranch, including the ranch manager, Epstein, a chef, a secretary, and four women who were introduced as college students, two of whom said they studied genetics. Horner said nothing about the visit seemed inappropriate or unusual to him at the time.
The situation has brought renewed scrutiny to Horner’s past controversies as well. In a 2016 interview, Horner revealed that he had previously stepped down as head curator of Montana’s Museum of the Rockies after beginning a relationship with a 19-year-old undergraduate student in 2012. The two later married but eventually divorced.
Horner’s future involvement with the Jurassic Park franchise is currently unclear. The paleontologist served as a consultant on all seven films in the series, helping filmmakers portray dinosaurs based on the latest scientific understanding. With the franchise’s future also uncertain following the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, it remains unknown whether Horner will continue to play a role in any potential future projects.
