Lawrence Krauss denies alleged selfie‑hand misconduct at 2016 conference

- The conference attendee who took the ‘selfie’ photo did not lodge a formal complaint to the conference organisers at the time of the incident (November 2016). - The conference attendee who witnessed the incident, did not lodge a formal complaint to the conference organisers at the time of the incident (November 2016). The photo submitted as part of the complaint does not provide evidence of any physical contact. - The complainant alleged that a photo exists, showing your hand on the breast of the conference attendee who took the ‘selfie’ photo. This photo was not made available to the Australian National University, although it was requested in the course of the investigation.” (And for the record I often put my hand up in front of a camera if there is a flash, as I specifically request selfies not to include flashes, so that I don’t end up with a series bright spots in front of my eyes for the next half hour) What makes this particular type of allegation so repugnant is that I get asked for literally thousands of selfies, and when people come up to me they are vulnerable, often shaking, and sometimes overly aggressive. I am particularly proud of the way I attempt to make all people feel at ease, and respected, rather than humiliated. Thus, this false claim strikes at the heart of what I am about, which is to acknowledge fans in a way that makes them feel appreciated. As I understand you had a reporter watching me sign books and take selfies at the CFI conference in Las Vegas this year, that behavior is what they will have witnessed. Moreover, I am proud of the interactions I have had at both Case and ASU, with students, colleagues and staff of all genders and ethnicities. I have worked hard to support them, mentor them, and treat them with respect. I treat others as responsible adults, and I expect to be treated equally. Lawrence M. Krauss Director, The Origins Project at ASU Co-Director, Cosmology Initiative Foundation Professor School of Earth & Space Exploration and Physics Department Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871404, Tempe, AZ 85287-1404 Origins Office origins.asu.edu | twitter.com/Ikrauss1 | krauss.faculty.asu.edu ” - = RSU Origins PREOGIECT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY On Dec 10, 2017, at 9:53 PM, Lawrence Krauss wrote: First draft: It is hard to know how to respond to a list of false and/or distorted allegations, along with misleading statements on your part. Needless to say, I treat people I interact with with respect, and I work hard to support and mentor students, colleagues, and members of the general public. I do not sexually harass people. If the purpose of your reporting is to somehow argue that that Universities and other institutions are lax in dealing with well known individuals like myself, then in fact the situation is quite the opposite. My high public profile opens me up to more scrutiny at these institutions, not less, and it also opens me up to a host of outside complaints and HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_031248