Another high-profile person has fallen dies to his ties with the late serial sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
World Economic Forum (WEF) president and CEO Borge Brende resigned Thursday following an investigation into his relationship Epstein, per Mediaite.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum,” Brende announced in a statement. “My time here, spanning 8-1/2 years, 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,” he added.
Brende’s statement did not mention Epstein, but his resignation came just weeks after the WEF launched an independent investigation involving his connections to Epstein.
The probe began after it was discovered Brende dined with Epstein on at least three occasions and had also spoken to him via text message and email, despite Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a child for prostitution years prior.
“I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,” said Brende after news of his relationship with Epstein was public. “Had I known about his background, I would have declined the initial invitation to join [former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje] Rod-Larsen and any subsequent dinner invitations or other communications.”
Prior to his resignation, Brende served as CEO and president of the WEF since October 2017. He became president of the WEF just days after left the Norwegian government as minister of foreign affairs.
