The son of two diplomats, given $10 million from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, has died by suicide.
Edward Juul Rod-Larsen, 25, was found dead in Oslo yesterday, just days after Norwegian and French authorities launched a joint probe in his parents, diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen and Mona Juul, a former ambassador, over their connection with Epstein.
Rod-Larsen’s death was confirmed by the family’s lawyers Thomas Skjelbred and John Christian Elden in a statement to Norwegian outlet VG.
“It stands in the shadow of months of a public spotlight that has long since ceased to be critical, and has instead become suspicious, speculative and at times limitless. A spotlight that has not only affected two parents, but has also drawn their children involuntarily into the relentless machinery of the public,” the lawyers wrote.
“Speculating on connections is both irresponsible and undignified. Suicide is always complex. There is never one explanation, never one cause, never one blame,” they added.
Authorities launched an investigation into the high-profile family after reports of the couple’s children receiving $10 million from Epstein’s will emerged.
Mona Juul, who most recently served as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan, resigned in February after facing scrutiny over her contacts with Epstein. The country’s Foreign Ministry launched an investigation into Juul’s knowledge of and contact with Epstein.
The investigation is looking into whether gifts, services and money Rod-Larsen received from Epstein could be considered bribes. Rod-Larsen’s children had not been accused of any wrongdoing
The ministry said it also launched a review of its funding of and contact with the International Peace Institute, a New York-based think tank, during the period when it was headed by Rod-Larsen.
A 2017 email exchange from Epstein to himself and his assistant Lesley Groff released in the Epstein files mentions Rod-Larsen’s son, Edward, according to Newsweek.
“Edward Rod-Larsen. Norwegian, son of diplomats. Grew up in Israel (mother, Mona Juul, Norwegian Ambassador to Israel; father Head og UN Middle East) . Lived for six years in NYC, attended the Browning School from six to twelve. Last three years at the Stowe School in Buckinghamshire (mother Norwegian Ambassador to UK, father president IPI). Bilingual English/Norwegian. Has to do do one week of obligatory work experience before returning to school for six form,” the email states.
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