The release of new files linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has reignited scrutiny of a global network of politicians, business leaders, academics and cultural figures whose associations with him have led to resignations, suspensions and investigations.
Epstein, convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor and who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, cultivated ties across elite circles. While the appearance of a name in the U.S. Justice Department’s files does not imply criminal wrongdoing, the reputational damage has been swift for several figures.
The World Economic Forum has ordered an independent review into contacts between its president, Borge Brende, and Epstein after Brende acknowledged attending dinners with him in New York in 2018 and 2019. Brende said he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes.
In Norway, former prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland is under police investigation on suspicion of aggravated corruption linked to extensive email exchanges with Epstein. Separately, diplomat Mona Juul has been suspended while authorities probe her ties to Epstein, who left $10 million in his will to her children.
In the United States, inventor Dean Kamen took leave from the board of the robotics nonprofit FIRST after photos and emails linking him to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell surfaced. Prominent attorney Brad Karp stepped down as chairman of Paul Weiss following emails describing social engagements with Epstein.
Political fallout has also spread in Europe. Slovakia’s national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak resigned after messages referencing women emerged. In France, film producer Caroline Lang quit her leadership role in a producers’ group after revelations of business discussions with Epstein.
In Northern Ireland, George Mitchell saw Queen’s University Belfast remove his name from a peace institute over his past association with Epstein. The sports world has also been touched: NFL co-owner Steve Tisch faces league review, while Olympic organizer Casey Wasserman has faced calls to resign over past correspondence with Maxwell.
Together, the developments underscore how Epstein’s long shadow continues to reshape institutions worldwide, years after his death, as organizations reassess links once dismissed as social or professional.
