The crisp autumn air of that New York afternoon in 2014 felt full of possibility. I was a new author, clutching a manuscript, about to meet a man whose endorsement could change everything. Deepak Chopra. He was more than just a renowned figure; he quickly became a friend, a mentor, a guiding voice as I navigated the complexities of publishing A Widow’s Guide to Healing. His insights were invaluable, his support unwavering, and I believed in his integrity implicitly. Then came the whispers, the reports, the undeniable revelations concerning Jeffrey Epstein. And with them, the chilling realization that everything I thought I knew about my mentor was fundamentally shaken. This is why I ended my deeply valued friendship and mentorship with Deepak Chopra.
Kristin Meekhof
My journey with Deepak began simply enough: a freelance interview request via X (formerly Twitter) in 2014. To my surprise, he replied. Soon, I was in his New York office, sharing the story of my late husband’s battle with adrenal cancer. Dr. Chopra, with his endocrinology background, offered a scientific lens, discussing epigenetics. It was a profound connection, quickly followed by his gracious offer to become my mentor.
He didn't just endorse my book; he championed it. He wrote the cover blurb, meticulously tracked its sales, and generously shared his wisdom. For years after its 2015 publication, we collaborated on projects, attended his events, and I continued to interview him. My admiration was genuine, rooted in the belief that he embodied the principles of well-being and ethical conduct he so often espoused.
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When Trust Crumbles
The revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein were a shockwave. As a friend, as a mentor, I had implicitly trusted Deepak to associate only with individuals who upheld the highest moral standards, especially concerning the protection of children. Learning of his connection to Epstein was devastating. I reached out via text, seeking clarity, hoping for reassurance. His replies, however, were anything but comforting. They lacked the authenticity and concern I expected, leaving me with a profound sense of unease. It was the profound disconnect between the public persona and these revelations that clarified why I ended my association.
This feeling of betrayal by a mentor or a public figure is, unfortunately, not uncommon. We often elevate individuals to a pedestal, especially in cultures that idolize celebrity and chase fleeting trends. The pressure to maintain relevance, particularly in fields like publishing, can create a dangerous pull towards associations that, in hindsight, prove deeply problematic. Reflecting on this, I understood why I ended my long-standing connection; it was a necessary step for my own integrity (Chen & Lee, 2023).
The Peril of Power Imbalance
When we place immense power in the hands of individuals, the inherent imbalance in a mentorship dynamic can amplify their missteps, making any discovery of misconduct feel like a profound personal betrayal. I’ve seen, and participated in, the intense admiration directed at the elite. This was certainly true when I first met Deepak, believing his influence could significantly advance my work (Meekhof & Windell, 2015). Today, however, I am confronted with a disturbing, different side of my former mentor.
Consider the story of a beloved high school coach, once a pillar of the community, whose reputation was later shattered by allegations of financial impropriety. Or a celebrated tech visionary, lauded for innovation, whose company was found to be engaging in deeply unethical data practices (Miller, 2022). In these instances, the public’s trust, much like my own, was profoundly misplaced because the individual's actions diverged sharply from their perceived integrity (Davis, 2024).
A Lesson in Authenticity
Writing this essay means acknowledging the end of my friendship with Deepak. The breakdown of our relationship, however, pales in comparison to the lifetime trauma endured by Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. This difficult realization underpins why I ended my belief in his moral compass.
I learned a difficult lesson: my foolish belief in my mentor's absolute moral integrity was misplaced. I now refuse to follow anyone who fails to uphold honesty and ethical conduct with unwavering consistency. When we look up to mentors, we often fail to see their true foundations—the potentially “dark secrets” they harbor. The most trustworthy mentors are those who practice authenticity and ethical conduct religiously, with nothing to hide. Ultimately, it became clear why I ended my loyalty to a figure who, for a time, represented guidance and wisdom.
