Deepak Chopra faces renewed scrutiny following allegations of inappropriate conduct from artist Sevda Rubens, coinciding with the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Indian American author and wellness advocate Deepak Chopra is under increased public scrutiny after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced amid renewed attention on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The claims were brought to light by artist and entrepreneur Sevda Rubens, who alleged that Chopra acted inappropriately toward her during a meditation event in Europe when she was just 16 years old.
Rubens shared her experience in a widely circulated post on X, referencing Chopra’s recent public denial of any involvement in criminal or exploitative behavior related to Epstein. In her account, Rubens described how Chopra gave her his phone number and suggested they meet later that night. Alarmed by the request, she declined and walked away feeling uneasy about the encounter.
“When I was 16 years old, I attended a meditation event hosted by Deepak Chopra in Europe. After the event, I lined up to ask him a question about my spiritual practice. He gave me his number and insisted to meet later that night. I was alarmed, and my intuition warned not to go, so I didn’t. That was also my wake-up call. Male gurus are a construct. Smart girls are real,” Rubens wrote on X.
These allegations have intensified scrutiny around Chopra, reigniting discussions about power dynamics, influence, and accountability within the global wellness community. The reaction on social media platforms such as X and Instagram has been swift and emotionally charged, with many critics questioning the culture surrounding influential male figures and their often young followers.
In subsequent posts, Rubens elaborated on her vulnerability at the time of the incident. “At 16 I left my parental home, moved into a small attic and worked several jobs to maintain myself,” she recounted. “I had zero stability, no adult oversight.” She noted that living independently forced her into a heightened state of alertness, recalling how she instinctively identified certain men as potential threats. “Looking back, it’s remarkable I never fell into their hands,” she added.
In addition to Rubens’ allegations, emails exchanged between Chopra and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have also resurfaced, drawing further scrutiny. One email exchange included Chopra stating, “God is a construct,” followed by the phrase, “Cute girls are real.” This brief correspondence was part of a larger trove of over three million pages of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with Epstein’s criminal cases. The records indicate that Chopra maintained regular email contact with Epstein from at least 2016 through 2019.
Chopra has firmly rejected any implications of wrongdoing following the emergence of these records. “I want to be clear,” the 79-year-old wrote on X. “I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity.” He expressed his deep sadness for the suffering of Epstein’s victims and emphasized his condemnation of abuse and exploitation in all forms.
The unfolding situation has prompted a broader conversation about the responsibilities of influential figures in the wellness industry and the importance of accountability for their actions. As the scrutiny continues, many are calling for a reevaluation of the dynamics between mentors and their followers, particularly in environments that foster vulnerability and trust.
As the discourse evolves, it remains to be seen how these allegations and the surrounding discussions will impact Chopra’s public image and the wellness community at large. The ongoing scrutiny serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in navigating power dynamics within influential circles.
According to The American Bazaar, the situation continues to develop as more individuals come forward with their experiences and as discussions about accountability and ethics in the wellness industry gain momentum.