It sounds like Ito probably missed that news, which I think is what folks have a problem with — he should have done his research before accepting the money.

I think there is also a separate debate here about whether Ito should accept or reject money from a donor who he knows is a sex offender.

Edit: seems like people are assuming he did know about that past, which is unclear to me.

> seems like people are assuming he did know about that past, which is unclear to me.

According to Ethan Zuckerman, he "urged [Joi] not to meet with [Epstein]". Presumably Epstein's past was the reason for that urging.

http://www.ethanzuckerman.com/blog/2019/08/20/on-me-and-the-...

Its possible Ito didn't know initially, but its pretty implausible someone didn't tell him about it once he started introducing Epstein around the lab.

I think that's the problem with the apology, he doesn't actually say what he's apologizing for. It's pretty clear that he's apologizing for taking money for someone he new was a sex-offender, but he doesn't actually say it, nevermind apologize for it.

It seems conspicuous he doesn’t say he was unaware of the accusations.

He does say he was unaware of the evidence, and didn’t hear Epstein say anything about it.

A plea deal doesn't mean guilt or even evidence. It merely means that it was easier than fighting the charges, which could really mean anything.

Sure, but it means the "Oh my, I didn't know!" defense rings a little hollow...

I don't think so. You can't know just based on a plea deal, if you don't know why the deal was struck in the first place.

No, but again, it means you don't get to play the "I didn't know anything" card later.