The World Economic Forum (WEF) has opened an investigation into its head, Borge Brende, after the latest Epstein files drop revealed his connections to the convicted sex offender.
“The WEF seeks to clarify recent disclosures regarding its president and CEO, Borge Brende, and his participating in three business dinners with Jeffrey Epstein, along with subsequent email and SMS communications,” the WEF said in a statement reported by France 24. “In light of these interactions, the governing board requested the audit and risk committee to look into the matter, which subsequently decided to initiate an independent review.”
Brende explained that he received an invitation from former Norwegian deputy prime minister Terje Rod-Larsen in 2018 to join him and other leaders for a dinner, where Epstein was presented as an “American investor.”
“The following year, I attended two similar dinners with Epstein, alongside other diplomats and business leaders. These dinners, and a few emails and SMS messages, were the extent of my interactions with him,” he said. “I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities.”
Norwegian authorities have also opened an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland for his connections with Epstein.
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is similarly under scrutiny for her link to Epstein. She declared that she “must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly, and for not realizing sooner what kind of person he was,” and added, “I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing.”
