Astrophysicist's Dubious Invitation to Convicted Sex Offender
Celebrity astrophysicist Lawrence Krauss, while working part-time at the Australian National University, made repeated attempts to lure convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to Tasmania in 2014. The correspondence, recently uncovered through United States Department of Justice files released to Daily Mail, reveals Krauss specifically name-dropped Tasmania's controversial Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) as bait for the disgraced financier.
Thinly Veiled Agenda Behind Cultural Invitation
Professor Krauss extended warm invitations to Epstein on two separate occasions, suggesting the billionaire would enjoy visiting MONA's notorious exhibits. However, the communications clearly indicate Krauss's primary motivation was securing transportation for his pet cat from Australia to the United States without commercial airline hassles.
In a July 2014 email, Krauss wrote to Epstein: "I actually do think it would be very enjoyable for you to see MONA... and it would be nice for us to do it with you before we leave." This initial invitation was followed by a more explicit request two months later.
The Feline Transportation Scheme
On September 5, 2014, Krauss elaborated on his "self-serving idea" in another email to Epstein. He proposed Epstein fly his private jet to Australia in November, visit MONA together, and then travel back to the United States collectively. Krauss explicitly stated this arrangement would allow his cat to travel in the cabin rather than endure 17 hours in an airline hold without food or water.
"Probably insane, and I don't even know if your plane can fly that far... As I said it is totally self-serving because it would allow us to have the cat in the cabin," Krauss admitted in his correspondence.
Epstein's Alternative Offer and Visa Complications
Epstein, who had been convicted of procuring a child for prostitution in 2008, was unlikely to secure an Australian visitor's visa under the country's strict immigration rules for convicted sex offenders. He declined the Tasmania invitation but offered to purchase a full airline seat for Krauss's cat on a commercial flight instead.
Krauss responded that international flights from Australia typically only permit service animals in cabins, not pets. The cat transportation scheme ultimately fell flat, but the emails reveal the extent of Krauss's willingness to engage with the convicted sex offender for personal convenience.
MONA's Controversial Reputation
The museum Krauss promoted to Epstein has gained notoriety for provocative installations since its 2011 founding by professional gambler David Walsh. MONA features what has been described as a "subversive adult Disneyland" with exhibits including:
- A wall featuring carved vulvas
- A "stinky poo machine" installation
- Photographic works that have drawn criticism for depicting bestiality
Broader Context of Krauss-Epstein Relationship
The cat transportation emails represent just one facet of the extensive correspondence between Krauss and Epstein spanning 2011 to 2018. Additional files released by the US House Oversight Committee show Krauss repeatedly sought Epstein's advice regarding sexual harassment allegations against himself.
In 2017 and 2018, Krauss forwarded journalist inquiries about harassment claims to Epstein, asking for feedback on draft responses and calling one accuser a derogatory term. Epstein provided advice on handling the allegations, despite his own criminal history.
Krauss's Controversial Defense of Epstein
As early as 2011, three years after Epstein's conviction, Krauss publicly defended his relationship with the financier. He told The Daily Beast he felt "raised" rather than tarnished by the association and suggested Epstein's victims were "not as young as the ones that were claimed."
In correspondence with a podcaster, Krauss further minimized Epstein's crimes, stating: "Jeffrey apparently paid for massages with sex, I believe him when he told me he had no idea the girls were underage... I honestly don't know who was the victim in this case."
Fallout and Denials
Krauss resigned from his honorary position at the Australian National University in 2017 following complaints. He faced multiple sexual harassment allegations from women at six universities between 2006 and 2016, including an incident at Melbourne Zoo where an internal investigation found he groped a woman's breast.
The Canadian physicist maintains a lengthy statement on his personal website denying all allegations against him. In response to the released emails, Krauss stated he "sought out advice from essentially everyone I knew when false allegations about me were circulated" and emphasized that none of his communications with Epstein related to the financier's later crimes.
Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. His accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of trafficking underage girls in 2021.
