According to the NRK broadcaster, US Justice Department documents indicate that Brende and Epstein communicated and dined together once.
"I only met Epstein at three formal dinners in New York over two years, each attended by businessmen. I was unaware of his criminal past. I never met him in any other circumstances," Brende wrote in an email to NRK.
He claimed he was introduced to Epstein by former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen.
"I never imagined I'd be introduced to a former sex offender. How could I want to be introduced to someone like that?" Brende remarked.
The WEF president also admitted sending Epstein messages and emails.