The president of the Davos Forum resigns due to his links with Epstein
Former Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende dined with the billionaire three times and communicated with him via emails and text messages.
BarcelonaThe tentacles of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sex trafficking and murder in prison in 2019, are far-reaching. Norwegian Borge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum in Davos (WEF), which annually brings together the world's economic and political elite, resigned on Thursday due to his relationship with the billionaire. The decision by the former Norwegian Foreign Minister comes a few weeks after the Forum commissioned an independent investigation into his relationship with Epstein. Brende, who became WEF president in 2017, took this step following revelations by the U.S. Department of Justice showing that the Norwegian had three business dinners with Epstein. This documentation also demonstrated that he had communicated with the disgraced financier via email and text messages.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as Chairman and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, of eight and a half years, has been deeply rewarding," Brende stated. "I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right time for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions," he added, in a farewell message that avoided mentioning Epstein.
The resignation comes amid a wave of arrests related to the pedophile, including those of former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III of England, and former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson. Just a few days ago, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates apologized to members of his own Foundation after images surfaced of the billionaire at meetings organized by Jeffrey Epstein.