Børge Brende quits as World Economic Forum CEO over Epstein links: What were the allegations?

Brende quits WEF after Epstein scrutiny

Børge Brende stepped down as president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum after an internal investigation examined his past contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

While the independent review ultimately found no additional wrongdoing, disclosures about Brende’s meetings and messages with Epstein triggered scrutiny that culminated in his resignation.

The core allegations

The controversy centred on revelations in documents released by the US Department of Justice showing that Brende:

Attended three business dinners where Epstein was present in 2018 and 2019

Met Epstein at his New York home

Exchanged emails and text messages with him

Among the messages disclosed were informal exchanges, including one in which Brende signed off, “Missing you Sir, Borge.”

The issue was not an accusation of criminal misconduct. Instead, the allegations focused on:

His judgement in meeting Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction

The nature of their communications

Questions over transparency

How did Brende respond?

Brende said his interactions were limited to business settings involving diplomats and business leaders.

“I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,” he said, adding that he would have declined any invitation had he known.

“I recognize that I could have conducted a more thorough investigation into Epstein’s history, and I regret not doing so.”

The WEF board launched an independent review, stating it underscored the organisation’s commitment to transparency. The investigation later concluded there were no additional concerns beyond what had already been publicly disclosed.

Why it still led to his exit

Although the review cleared him of further wrongdoing, the disclosures — particularly the dinners and personal messages — cast a shadow over the Forum’s leadership at a sensitive governance moment.

Brende said he chose to step down so the organisation could continue its work “without distractions.”