Former Museum of Modern Art director Glenn Lowry has publicly defended billionaire collector Leon Black regarding his continued presence on the museum's board despite his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Lowry emphasized Black's financial commitment to the institution, specifically citing his role in preventing staff layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic and his decision to step down as board chair in 2021 to protect the museum from further controversy.
This defense highlights the ongoing tension between institutional ethics and the reliance on high-net-worth donors within the American museum system. While activists and artists have repeatedly called for Black’s removal due to his $62.5 million settlement related to Epstein, Lowry’s comments suggest that MoMA’s leadership prioritizes financial stability and long-term patronage over the public pressure to sever ties with controversial figures.