Norwegian ambassador resigns due to J. Epstein scandal
M. Juul, the Norwegian ambassador, resigned amidst revelations of her connections to convicted sex offender J. Epstein, deemed a serious error by officials.
M. Juul, who previously served as the Norwegian ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, has resigned due to her associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Foreign Minister E. Barth Eide emphasized in a statement that her connections with Epstein reflected a "serious mistake in decision-making," making it difficult to restore trust necessary for her diplomatic role. Given the gravity of the revelations, the foreign minister endorsed M. Juul's decision to step down as appropriate.
The pressure on Juul and her husband, a former top-ranking diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, escalated following the release of new documents related to Epstein's case. Reports reveal that two of their children were named in Epstein's will with each receiving $5 million, an announcement made just before Epstein's death in jail. This complicating factor contributes to the scrutiny surrounding Juul's professional integrity and raises questions about the influence Epstein may have wielded.
M. Juul had previously stated in the Norwegian media that her acquaintance with Epstein was limited and mostly occurred in a diplomatic framework. She expressed remorse about her connections to him, which has not assuaged concerns among the public and officials regarding her judgment and credibility. As the story unfolds, it highlights the intricate connections between high-ranking officials and notorious figures, prompting discussions on accountability within diplomatic circles.