World Economic Forum Leader Steps Down Amid Epstein Scandal
Borge Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced his resignation following mounting pressure over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes after the release of new files by the U.S. Justice Department, which detailed connections between Epstein and numerous prominent individuals, including Brende.
Scrutiny and Internal Review
Brende, who served as Norway's foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, faced intense scrutiny as part of the latest batch of Epstein files. The WEF initiated an internal review earlier this month to investigate Brende's relationship with Epstein. The review confirmed that Brende had dined with Epstein on three occasions between 2018 and 2019, long after Epstein's 2011 conviction in Florida for procuring a child for prostitution.
In a statement, Brende acknowledged communicating with Epstein via email and text but claimed he was "completely unaware" of Epstein's criminal past. The WEF's review concluded that "there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed." Alois Zwinggi will serve as the interim president and CEO of the forum.
Brende's Departure Statement
On the WEF website, Brende issued a statement explaining his decision to step down after eight-and-a-half years in leadership. "After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as president and chief executive of the forum," he wrote. "My time here has been profoundly rewarding. I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions."
Other High-Profile Resignations
The latest Epstein files have implicated several other notable figures, leading to a series of resignations across various sectors:
- Thomas Pritzker: The billionaire heir retired as chairman of Hyatt Hotels after his links to Epstein surfaced. He admitted to "terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Peter Attia: A CBS News contributor for less than a month, Attia resigned after his name appeared over 1,700 times in the files. He apologized for "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" emails exchanged with Epstein.
- Brad Karp: The chairman of law firm Paul, Weiss stepped down following revelations of email correspondence with Epstein, including discussions on legal strategies related to Epstein's plea deal.
- Kathryn Ruemmler: Goldman Sachs' top lawyer announced her resignation after emails showed she referred to Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" and accepted luxury gifts from him, including an Hermès bag and gift cards.
Broader Implications
The Epstein files have also revealed connections to other prominent figures, such as Harvard University professor Larry Summers and former U.K. ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson. These disclosures continue to trigger resignations and public apologies, highlighting the widespread impact of Epstein's network on global elites.
As the WEF moves forward under interim leadership, the fallout from the Epstein scandal underscores the ongoing challenges faced by organizations and individuals linked to the disgraced financier. The resignations serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of associations with controversial figures, even in professional contexts.
