In a recent 20-minute interview aired by Norway's public service broadcaster NRK, Crown Princess Mette-Marit addressed her relationship with the late businessman Jeffrey Epstein. She stated that she felt 'manipulated and deceived' by Epstein and expressed regret for having met him at all. Mette-Marit highlighted her failure to conduct a thorough background check on Epstein, acknowledging the importance of taking responsibility for her lack of diligence.

During the interview, she emphasized that the focus should be on the victims of Epstein's abusive actions rather than her own ordeal. Mette-Marit stated, 'It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility' for her oversight. This statement comes after mounting pressure for the Crown Princess to explain her association with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on human trafficking charges. The gravity of his crimes has led to increased scrutiny of those who associated with him, including Mette-Marit.

This interview comes at a sensitive time, as public interest in Epstein's connections with prominent figures continues to provoke debate about accountability and the role of enablers in perpetuating abuse. The Crown Princess's reflections are particularly poignant as they urge society to remember and seek justice for the victims of Epstein’s exploitation, thus redirecting the narrative towards ensuring that such abuses do not go unrecognized or unpunished.