Epstein Documents Released: Kevin Rudd Named in Files
The US Justice Department (DOJ) on Friday released millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, forming part of the extensive "Epstein files."
These documents do not automatically imply wrongdoing for individuals named, nor confirm they met Epstein.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd appears in multiple emails within these newly released documents. Dr. Rudd's office has stated definitively that he never met Jeffrey Epstein and that no introduction between the two ever took place.
Kevin Rudd's Office Responds to Mentions
Dr. Rudd's office has confirmed that most references to him were either in passing or attempts by mutual acquaintances to arrange contact. They consistently maintain there is no evidence of direct contact between Dr. Rudd and Epstein.
Nature of Mentions: Third-Party Attempts and Invitations
The documents reveal several instances where individuals attempted to arrange meetings or phone calls involving Dr. Rudd and Epstein, including proposed gatherings at Epstein's New York residence.
In 2014, some emails referenced invitations for Dr. Rudd to attend gatherings with prominent political and business leaders at Epstein's house:
- An email from June 6, 2014, by Japanese entrepreneur Joi Ito, suggested Dr. Rudd "might stop by." On the same day, Epstein also mentioned in an email, "kevin rudd is also coming."
- Another email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, referred to a June 8 meeting with an entry for "Kevin Rudd."
- Epstein's email to Lawrence H. Summers on June 7, 2014, listed "Keying Rudd Woody" among other high-profile individuals.
Connections Through the International Peace Institute (IPI)
An email from former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland to Epstein on February 5, 2016, mentioned Dr. Rudd, stating, "Kevin Rudd, a friend of both of us just left my house." Dr. Rudd's office confirmed he had dinner at Mr. Jagland's home that evening, attributing the "friend" reference to their shared connection with the International Peace Institute (IPI).
In a separate context on January 21, 2014, Epstein mentioned "kevin rudd will also be on the phone" for a meeting with "Mongolians." Dr. Rudd's office noted that he had declined an invitation from the IPI for a "Dinner with the Mongolian President."
Rudd's Actions and Stance on Epstein
Terje Rød-Larsen, a former Norwegian politician, was mentioned in an Epstein email from June 27, 2013, which stated, "rudd will only be in power a few months, do not wait." Both Dr. Rudd and Mr. Rød-Larsen held senior roles at the IPI.
When reports emerged in 2020 about Mr. Rød-Larsen securing a personal loan from Epstein and Epstein's donations to the IPI, Dr. Rudd took decisive action. He accepted Mr. Rød-Larsen's resignation and initiated a forensic audit of IPI's finances by KPMG. Furthermore, he recommended the board donate an amount comparable to Epstein's contributions to charity.
Dr. Rudd has described Jeffrey Epstein as an "odious character in the extreme."
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.