Physicist Lawrence Krauss was one of the most prominent scientists who maintained a public association with Jeffrey Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea and registration as a sex offender.
The Krauss-Epstein Relationship
Krauss, a theoretical physicist and popular science communicator who taught at Arizona State University, received financial support from Epstein for physics-related events and programming. He also attended gatherings at Epstein’s properties and organized trips — including reportedly to Epstein’s island — that included other scientists.
Post-Conviction Association
Most notably, Krauss defended his continued association with Epstein after the 2008 conviction and in interviews with reporters. He argued that Epstein had served his time and continued to be interested in supporting important scientific work. This position was widely criticized by scientists and victim advocates.
The 2011 Science Event
In 2011, Krauss reportedly organized a meeting at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse that involved a group of scientists. This post-conviction event became a major point of criticism after Epstein’s 2019 arrest, when the meeting’s attendees were identified in press reports.
Separate Sexual Misconduct
Krauss faced a separate controversy in 2018 when BuzzFeed News published allegations of sexual misconduct against him from multiple women in the scientific community — allegations unrelated to Epstein but contributing to his loss of his academic position. He resigned from Arizona State University.
Scientific Community Reaction
Krauss’s defense of Epstein post-conviction became a case study in how Epstein’s funding was able to purchase sustained loyalty from prominent figures even after his criminal history was public knowledge.