Edward Juul Rod-Larsen, the 25-year-old son of two prominent Norwegian diplomats, has died as authorities continue investigating his parents’ past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, according to Norwegian media reports. His death was confirmed by lawyers representing his parents, diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen and former ambassador Mona Juul. The development comes days after Norwegian and French police were reported to have launched a joint investigation into the couple, reports the Daily Mail.
Police are examining allegations tied to the family’s reported links to Epstein, including revelations that Edward and his twin sister Emma were named beneficiaries in Epstein’s will. According to previously released trust documents, Epstein left a total of $10 million to the siblings. The same documents reportedly showed that Ghislaine Maxwell was also allocated $10 million. Edward and Emma Juul Rod-Larsen have not been accused of wrongdoing, and the family has said the funds were never received.
In a statement to Norwegian outlet VG, the family’s lawyers, Thomas Skjelbred and John Christian Elden, linked the intense public attention surrounding the case to the strain placed on the family. “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,” the lawyers wrote.
“A spotlight that has not only affected two parents, but has also drawn their children involuntarily into the relentless machinery of the public.”
The statement also addressed speculation surrounding Edward’s death. “Speculating on connections is both irresponsible and undignified. Suicide is always complex. There is never one explanation, never one cause, never one blame,” the lawyers said. Rod-Larsen and Juul are well known in Norway and internationally for their involvement in the Oslo Accords, the 1990s diplomatic effort between Israel and the Palestinians. Their work later inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway production Oslo.
Juul resigned in February from her most recent role as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan after scrutiny over her contact with Epstein. She later acknowledged that it had been “imprecise” to describe her interactions with Epstein as minimal. Norway’s Foreign Ministry has separately reviewed its relationship with the International Peace Institute, a New York-based think tank formerly led by Rod-Larsen.
Media reports citing Justice Department document releases also alleged Rod-Larsen, while heading the institute, wrote recommendation letters to assist Russian women in securing US visas connected to Epstein. Norwegian police opened an investigation into Juul and Rod-Larsen in February for suspected “aggravated corruption” and “complicity in aggravated corruption.” French authorities reportedly joined the probe last week.
The couple has denied wrongdoing through legal counsel. In February, Elden said, “Rod-Larsen has previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein and has clearly distanced himself from Epstein's actions.”
Police are examining allegations tied to the family’s reported links to Epstein, including revelations that Edward and his twin sister Emma were named beneficiaries in Epstein’s will. According to previously released trust documents, Epstein left a total of $10 million to the siblings. The same documents reportedly showed that Ghislaine Maxwell was also allocated $10 million. Edward and Emma Juul Rod-Larsen have not been accused of wrongdoing, and the family has said the funds were never received.
In a statement to Norwegian outlet VG, the family’s lawyers, Thomas Skjelbred and John Christian Elden, linked the intense public attention surrounding the case to the strain placed on the family. “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,” the lawyers wrote.
“A spotlight that has not only affected two parents, but has also drawn their children involuntarily into the relentless machinery of the public.”
The statement also addressed speculation surrounding Edward’s death. “Speculating on connections is both irresponsible and undignified. Suicide is always complex. There is never one explanation, never one cause, never one blame,” the lawyers said. Rod-Larsen and Juul are well known in Norway and internationally for their involvement in the Oslo Accords, the 1990s diplomatic effort between Israel and the Palestinians. Their work later inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway production Oslo.
Juul resigned in February from her most recent role as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan after scrutiny over her contact with Epstein. She later acknowledged that it had been “imprecise” to describe her interactions with Epstein as minimal. Norway’s Foreign Ministry has separately reviewed its relationship with the International Peace Institute, a New York-based think tank formerly led by Rod-Larsen.
Media reports citing Justice Department document releases also alleged Rod-Larsen, while heading the institute, wrote recommendation letters to assist Russian women in securing US visas connected to Epstein. Norwegian police opened an investigation into Juul and Rod-Larsen in February for suspected “aggravated corruption” and “complicity in aggravated corruption.” French authorities reportedly joined the probe last week.
The couple has denied wrongdoing through legal counsel. In February, Elden said, “Rod-Larsen has previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein and has clearly distanced himself from Epstein's actions.”
