According to DOJ-released documents indexed by Epstein Exposed, Lawrence Krauss appears in 0 case documents, 1 flight log entry, and 126 email records in the Epstein files.
Theoretical physicist and former professor at Arizona State University who maintained a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after his 2008 conviction. Defended Epstein publicly and attended events on Epstein's island. Resigned from Arizona State in 2019 amid separate misconduct allegations.
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Lawrence Krauss is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Lawrence M. Krauss is an American theoretical physicist who served as Foundation Professor, Director of the Origins Project, and Co-Director of the Cosmology Initiative at Arizona State University (ASU). He is also a prominent public intellectual, author of books including 'Quantum Man' and 'The Greatest Story Ever Told -- So Far,' and a leading voice in the atheist movement. His professional signature blocks across numerous documents reference his ASU academic titles and affiliations (d-20317, d-22900, d-28325, d-22358, d-33546).
Krauss maintained a documented personal and professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that persisted after Epstein's 2008 conviction on sex offenses. Email correspondence shows direct communication between Krauss and Epstein spanning from at least 2011 through 2018. Krauss publicly and privately defended Epstein, received funding from Epstein's foundation for academic projects, and planned scientific conferences with Epstein. He also proposed an ambitious cultural-science television series called 'Strange Bedfellows' featuring high-profile participants (d-34643, d-33178).
Separately from the Epstein connection, Krauss faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct spanning 2006 to 2016, which became the subject of a BuzzFeed News investigation in December 2017. He denied all allegations, characterizing them as 'false and/or distorted.' By February 2018, he was discussing taking a voluntary leave from his position as Chair of an unspecified board amid mounting pressure (d-22644, d-33993). He ultimately resigned from Arizona State University in 2019.
Epstein Connection
Lawrence Krauss had a documented personal, financial, and social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Email correspondence from 2011 through 2018 demonstrates an ongoing friendship, with Krauss addressing Epstein personally and expressing loyalty ('Beyond anything else, you are my friend,' d-22792). Epstein's private foundation pledged $100,000 to Krauss's Origins Project at ASU in 2014 (d-20596, d-21797). Krauss planned scientific conferences with Epstein and publicly defended him after his 2008 conviction, including in statements attributed to him in the Daily Beast (d-20161, d-32198, d-20412). In private emails to both Epstein and blogger Rebecca Watson in April 2011, Krauss downplayed the nature of Epstein's offenses, writing that Epstein 'apparently paid for massages with sex' but claiming Epstein was unaware victims were underage (d-21406, d-22901, d-32240). Krauss also referenced and dismissed claims of 'orgies on Jeffrey's island' (d-26420). Krauss forwarded the BuzzFeed inquiry about his own sexual misconduct allegations directly to Epstein's email address (d-21105, d-33113), indicating Epstein served as a confidante. Confidentiality disclaimers on their correspondence stated the information was 'the property of Jeffrey Epstein' and claimed attorney-client privilege (d-21415, d-22358, d-28325).
Key Allegations(11)
Krauss received $100,000 from Epstein's private foundation for his Origins Project at ASU in 2014
documentedKrauss publicly defended Epstein after his 2008 conviction, planning scientific conferences with him and praising him in media
documentedKrauss privately downplayed Epstein's offenses in emails, writing 'jeffrey apparently paid for massages with sex' but claiming Epstein was unaware of victims' ages
documentedKrauss referenced and dismissed allegations of 'orgies on Jeffrey's island,' claiming they 'never happened'
documentedKrauss forwarded his BuzzFeed sexual misconduct inquiry directly to Epstein's email for guidance
documentedKrauss allegedly committed forced sexual advances at a Center for Inquiry event in Washington, D.C. in November 2006
allegedKrauss allegedly engaged in misconduct with a student reporter at Case Western Reserve University in fall/December 2007
allegedKrauss allegedly committed inappropriate touching during a selfie at a November 2016 conference
allegedKrauss was allegedly reported for inappropriate touching in Australia after a lecture, leading to a Title IX complaint
allegedUniversity investigations at ASU, ANU, and Case Western reportedly concluded no policy violation, though internal documents suggest ongoing concerns
documentedKrauss is quoted as saying Epstein 'has surrounded himself with beautiful women and young women but they're not as young as the ones that go to Harvard'
allegedLegal Status
Krauss was not criminally charged in connection with Epstein. He was the subject of multiple university investigations (Arizona State University, Australian National University, Case Western Reserve University) for sexual misconduct allegations spanning 2006-2016, which reportedly concluded with no formal policy violations found. A Title IX complaint was filed against him regarding an alleged incident in Australia. He resigned from Arizona State University in 2019 amid the misconduct controversy.
Notable Statements(6)
“jeffrey apparently paid for massages with sex... I believe him when he told me he had no idea...”
“Beyond anything else, you are my friend. I hope we can both always remember that, no matter...”
“just so you know.. you can read from bottom up.. you may be mad that I was blunt... have...”
“Jeffrey has surrounded himself with beautiful women and young women but they're not as young as the ones that go to Harvard.”
“First draft: It is hard to know how to respond to a list of false and/or distorted alleg...”
“what evidence? no real sex.. where is she getting her...”
Contradictions(4)
Krauss characterized all sexual misconduct allegations against him as 'false and/or distorted' in his draft response to BuzzFeed
Multiple universities (ASU, ANU, Case Western) conducted formal investigations into complaints against Krauss spanning a decade (2006-2016), and internal university communications documented specific incidents including a Case Western letter stating 'Dr. Krauss expressed regret about having a negative impact on you'
Krauss privately acknowledged to Rebecca Watson that Epstein 'apparently paid for massages with sex' and pleaded guilty to paying for a minor
Krauss simultaneously defended Epstein publicly as someone who is 'a good man' and portrayed him sympathetically in public statements, including the quote about Epstein surrounding himself with beautiful women who are 'not as young as the ones that go to Harvard'
Krauss claimed in his BuzzFeed response that he had a clean record and cited institutional affiliations (like CFI) as evidence of his good standing
Documents show formal complaints had been filed with multiple institutions including CFI, ASU, ANU, and Case Western, with at least six distinct alleged incidents documented between 2006 and 2016
Krauss referenced 'orgies on Jeffrey's island' and claimed they 'never happened,' suggesting awareness of such allegations
Despite claiming knowledge that such events did not occur, Krauss maintained a close personal and financial relationship with Epstein, received $100,000 from Epstein's foundation, and continued regular communication through at least 2018
Key Relationships(8)
Epstein's private foundation pledged $100,000 to Krauss's Origins Project at ASU in 2014. Krauss planned scientific conferences with Epstein and maintained regular email correspondence from at least 2011 through 2018. (d-20596, d-21797, d-20161, d-32198)
Krauss referred to Epstein as a friend in emails ('Beyond anything else, you are my friend'), defended him publicly and privately after his 2008 conviction, and forwarded personal legal matters (BuzzFeed inquiry) to Epstein for guidance. Emails carried Epstein's confidentiality disclaimers claiming attorney-client privilege. (d-22792, d-21105, d-33113, d-26420)
Krauss and Noam Chomsky engaged in academic correspondence about religion, secular dogma, and media articles. Their emails were copied to Epstein's email address (jeevacation@gmail.com). Krauss discussed possibly involving Chomsky in an event. (d-20334, d-32272, d-20217, d-21488)
Steven Pinker was listed as a participant in Krauss's proposed 'Strange Bedfellows' cultural-science series. (d-34643, d-33178)
Frank Wilczek was listed as a Nobel laureate participant in the proposed 'Strange Bedfellows' series and appeared in the same academic circles. (d-34643, d-33178)
Bill Clinton was mentioned alongside Krauss in the context of a proposed 'men of the world' conference. (d-25484)
Peggy Siegal appears in documents about Epstein's social circle alongside references to Krauss as a scientist who stood by Epstein. (d-20161, d-32198)
Ghislaine Maxwell appears in shared documents about Epstein's social network that also reference Krauss's continued association with Epstein. (d-20161, d-32198)
Timeline(24 events)
Alleged forced sexual advances at Center for Inquiry launch event in Washington, D.C.
Alleged misconduct incidents at Case Western Reserve University involving a student reporter, leading to formal complaint and university correspondence
Founded the Origins Project at Arizona State University
Rebecca Watson emailed Krauss requesting confirmation of a quote defending Epstein attributed to him in a Daily Beast article
Krauss emailed Watson defending Epstein, stating 'jeffrey apparently paid for massages with sex' but claiming Epstein was unaware of underage victims; Epstein responded 'what evidence? no real sex'
Krauss forwarded his Watson email exchange to Epstein, writing 'you may be mad that I was blunt'
Krauss emailed Epstein expressing friendship and loyalty: 'Beyond anything else, you are my friend'; also referenced and denied allegations of 'orgies on Jeffrey's island'
Blog posts alleged assault incidents involving Krauss
Epstein's private foundation pledged $100,000 to Krauss's Origins Project at ASU
Email exchange between Krauss and Noam Chomsky discussing religion, secular dogma, and a New Yorker article; Epstein's email address included in correspondence
Alleged inappropriate hand contact during a selfie at a conference
Participated in AI Risks Workshop at Arizona State University
Multiple phone calls between Krauss and Epstein (jeevacation account) documented in call metadata
Email exchange discussing Title IX complaint about alleged inappropriate touching in Australia after a lecture; Krauss reports being contacted by ASU's office of diversity
Krauss drafted first response to BuzzFeed inquiry, characterizing allegations as 'false and/or distorted'; sent to Nancy Dahl for review
BuzzFeed News journalists contacted Krauss's publicist seeking comment on sexual harassment allegations spanning 2006-2016
Krauss forwarded the BuzzFeed inquiry to Epstein's email address (jeevacation@gmail.com); discussed drafting response with Epstein
Krauss emailed Nancy Dahl denying all allegations, citing consensual 2006 hotel encounter and clean institutional record
Epstein responded to Krauss's BuzzFeed concern, advising on the response strategy
Email exchange with Epstein about canceling a flight to Chile and travel to Portland
Email exchange with Epstein; Krauss states he is 'really occupied with stuff here'
Krauss discusses taking voluntary leave as Chair of the Board amid media pressure; mentions 'announcement' generating 1500 hits; Epstein advises to 'concentrate on your point by point refutation'
Email to Epstein referencing a proposed 'men of the world' conference listing Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Al Franken, Woody Allen alongside a Women-in-the-World summit participant list
Email exchange with DAI Heidelberg director about discounted event ticket and possible Noam Chomsky appearance
At a Glance
Click values for sourcesSources
2 sources for flight appearances
Epstein Flight Logs (1 entries)
2003
“Appeared on 1 documented flights between Teterboro Airport, NJ and Palm Beach International, FL”
Sources
2 sources for known connections
Shared Flight Appearances
“Appears on flights with 4 other persons in the Epstein network”
Co-Document Mentions
“Named alongside other network members in 2 documents”
Activity Timeline
Network Graph
Known Connections (4)
External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Flight Log Appearances (1)
| Date | Route | Aircraft | Co-Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 2003 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Palm Beach International, FL | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sarah Kellen |
Document Mentions
Email Mentions (126)
Re: URGENT: BuzzFeed News inquiry re allegations of sexual harassment
Hello Peter. Iam currently on a plane. I sent you earlier from the plane an email response to your letter, which IT hope you received. Regarding your
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi.. I hadn't thought of it. I don't know what Jakob would prefer. I could give a science talk.. on, say: Journey to the Beginning of Time.. or I coul
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi Lawrence, I think we take Journey to the Beginning of Time. Could you write two sentences for my colleague to make clear where your talk will go fo
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Will do. Lawrence
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi Jakob There has been a complication. The G6ttingen event had to be cancelled so that means I now do not have an air ticket to Germany. I am going t
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Well it depends on UK.. if they can't do it, then alas, it would be the whole thing.. I could check for a discount ticket of course.. and maybe even e
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi.. update.. noam cannot do anything anyway.. nor UK that week.. So, I have been able confirm I can get the ticket for the discounted amount of 4500
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi Lawrence, just back from a long tour ,,on origins". As promised you will get my message promptly. As you may understand, before we start recruiting
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
Hi.. so, here is the event I am still invited to give in Germany. It is Oct 19th. I was previously invited to give a major lecture in Heidelberg Oct 1
Re: October 19, Heidelberg
actually I found I can buy an economy (YUK) ticket for only $1300.. so maybe I can buy that and try to upgrade it using miles..
Showing 10 of 126 emails. View all →
Schedule (5)
2012-06-02 to 2016-10-15
Lunch with Woody Allen, Soon Yi Lawrence Krauss, Boris Nikolic, Ian Osborn, and maybe George Church
Lunch with Woody Allen, Soon Yi, Lawrence Krauss, Boris Nikolic, Ian Osborn, maybe George Church
Lawrence Krauss arrival via US Air #2801 from Phoenix
Albuquerque
Lawrence Krauss
Lawrence will come see you at 4pm
LSJ-NY
This dossier on Lawrence Krauss was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.