KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) announced that it has reinstated Lifetouch, a student photography vendor serving schools across the Bluegrass, after completing a fact-based review.
Officials cut ties with the company after parents raised concerns following an Associated Press report on Feb. 13 stating that Leon Black, a former CEO who had invested in Lifetouch’s parent company, was mentioned more than 8,200 times in the Epstein files.
According to the AP, Black led the company in 2019 when funds managed by Apollo purchased Lifetouch’s parent company, Shutterfly. The $2.7 billion deal closed in September 2019 — one month before Epstein’s death.
The controversy angered many Kentucky parents, prompting district leaders in several counties to cancel spring student picture days. On Feb. 17, KEDC suspended Lifetouch services while it conducted a thorough review and deeper investigation.
On Tuesday, officials lifted that suspension, citing the results of a “comprehensive review” in a press release.
“We understand the concerns raised regarding Shutterfly’s historical association with Jeffrey Epstein, and we took those concerns seriously from the beginning,” KEDC wrote. “Based on the evidence reviewed and guidance obtained, KEDC has concluded that Lifetouch meets our expectations for professionalism, service quality, and student data safeguards. For that reason, Lifetouch will be reinstated to our preferred vendor list.”
Leaders of the development corporation said member districts may select the vendor that best fits their needs and added that KEDC will continue monitoring partners to ensure ethical standards remain in place.
“We value your feedback and welcome any questions about our review process,” Jim Caldwell, public relations and marketing manager for KEDC, wrote.
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