Larry Summers steps back from public commitments over email fallout

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said Monday that he was stepping back from all public commitments, including teaching at Harvard University, amid fallout from the release of emails between him and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein,” Summers said in a statement obtained by CNBC.

“While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort,” said Summers, who is a former president of Harvard.

Summers is a member of the board of OpenAI. He also is a columnist for Bloomberg News.

CNBC has requested comment from OpenAI.

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