Bill Ackman Fires Back at Tucker Carlson's Epstein Smear, Claims He Never Met the Financier

Bill Ackman, founder of Pershing Square, responded to Tucker Carlson's allegations that he was part of Jeffrey Epstein's inner circle and questioned the legitimacy of his $9 billion fortune. Ackman denied any connection to Epstein and provided a detailed account of how he built his wealth through investing. He called Carlson's comments "defamatory and dishonest" and demanded an apology.

Bill Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, has responded to allegations made by conservative media personality Tucker Carlson, who accused Ackman of being part of Jeffrey Epstein's inner circle and questioned the legitimacy of his $9 billion fortune. Ackman took to social media to deny any connection to Epstein and provide a detailed account of his career and wealth accumulation.

Ackman began by denying any ties to Epstein, stating, "I never met Jeffrey Epstein, flew on his planes, went to any of his parties or properties, or interacted with him ever" [1]. He also clarified that his wife, Neri Oxman, received a $125,000 grant from Epstein during her time as a professor at MIT, but that the couple had not met before this event and the interaction was brief.

Ackman recounted his early life and career, highlighting a classic American success story. As a child, he did odd jobs such as washing cars and digging ditches to earn pocket money. He covered his own living expenses during college and business school, working during school hours. After college, he joined his father's real estate mortgage firm, quickly becoming one of its top producers. He later left to launch his own hedge fund, Gotham Partners, after graduating from Harvard Business School.

Ackman raised his initial capital by cold-calling people on the Forbes 400 list, eventually raising $2.8 million from six investors and building Gotham to $500 million under management. After Gotham wound down during a high-profile fight with bond insurer MBIA, he launched Pershing Square with backing from Leucadia National.

Ackman's net worth now derives from personal investments in Pershing Square funds, which have multiplied 56 times since inception, fund ownership, and private ventures in startups, venture capital, biotech, and real estate. He stated, "I got a huge start with great parents and a wonderful education. But despite Tucker’s statements to the contrary, there were no scams — just decades of useful activity behind the wealth I’ve created" [1].

Ackman also highlighted the public value of his work, citing Pershing Square's activist investing as a force for improved corporate governance. He noted that the Pershing Square Foundation has granted over $900 million to charity, with another $900 million still uncommitted.

Ackman called Carlson's comments "defamatory and dishonest" and demanded an apology, stating, "Tucker owes me an apology. I know I’m not going to get one because he’s not man enough to care about the truth" [1].

References:
[1] https://vinnews.com/2025/07/13/bill-ackman-fires-back-at-tucker-carlson-shares-his-life-story-and-fortunes-origin/
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46383817/jeffrey-epstein-in-tapes-released-by-michael-wolff-i-was-donalds-closest-friend
[3] https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/07/10/ackman-has-14-in-this-dirt-cheap-stock-laffont/