Norway’s Sex og samfunn stands by decision to end partnership with Crown Princess Mette-Marit

The Norwegian organisation Sex og samfunn has confirmed it will maintain its decision to terminate its collaboration with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, following her admission of extensive contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In an interview with public broadcaster NRK on Friday, the crown princess addressed her ties to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. She described feeling “manipulated and deceived” by him but declined to disclose details about their communications or her knowledge of his crimes at the time.

Sex og samfunn, which had appointed Mette-Marit as patron of its Skamløsprisen (Shameless Prize), announced on 2 February that it would end the partnership. The organisation cited concerns for survivors of sexual abuse and prevention efforts as key reasons for the decision.

“We will review the interview, but for now, the decision we have made stands,” Ingvild Endestad, head of communications and policy at Sex og samfunn, told newspaper Dagbladet.

During the NRK interview, Mette-Marit expressed pride in her patronage roles but acknowledged she would respect organisations’ choices to distance themselves. “If it is no longer perceived as positive for me to be their patron, I will of course fully understand that,” she said.

Critics, including Dagbladet commentator Sigrid Hvidsten, argued the interview left key questions unanswered. “She was evasive and hid behind claims of privacy,” Hvidsten said, calling it a “weakness” that the crown princess could not recall details of her past searches about Epstein.

Communication specialist Jenny Nygaard noted the strategic value of the crown princess’s decision to give the interview alongside Crown Prince Haakon, describing it as “very effective” in shaping public perception.

The royal household has faced mounting scrutiny since reports revealed Mette-Marit’s deeper and longer-lasting connection to Epstein than previously disclosed. Several other Norwegian organisations have also severed ties with her in recent weeks.