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Fafo Removes Terje Rød‑Larsen Portrait After Epstein Revelations

Updated Published Cached

Painting of gilded Terje Rød‑Larsen removed from Fafo – The artwork, which had hung outside a meeting room at the research foundation Fafo for an extended period, was taken down following recent scrutiny of Rød‑Larsen’s connections. [1]

Rød‑Larsen helped found Fafo and led it early on – He played a central role when the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) established Fafo in 1982 and served as its first director during the initial years. [1]

Epstein revelations prompted removal of the portrait – New disclosures about Rød‑Larsen’s relationship with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein led Fafo to pull the painting, as reported by Klassekampen. [2]

Fafo’s director says the portrait distracted researchers – Managing director Hanne Cecilie Kavli explained that the artwork drew attention away from research work and forced staff to field questions about Rød‑Larsen, a responsibility the leadership will assume instead. [2]

Colleague credits Rød‑Larsen as Fafo’s early architect – Former associate Jon Erik Dølvik told LO Aktuelt that Rød‑Larsen provided ideas, networks and drive that shaped Fafo’s first decade‑plus, calling him the “architect” of its development. [3]

Khrono reports on Epstein’s ties to Rød‑Larsen’s family – The news outlet has published multiple pieces on the Epstein files, including a story on how Epstein attempted to secure a place at New York University for Rød‑Larsen’s son. [4][5]

  • Hanne Cecilie Kavli, managing director of Fafo, said the painting was moved because it attracted attention away from research and placed researchers in a position to answer questions about Rød‑Larsen, a matter the leadership will handle. [2]
  • Jon Erik Dølvik, former colleague, described Rød‑Larsen as the “architect” behind Fafo’s development in its first 10‑15 years, noting his ideas, network and drive were essential to the foundation’s current position. [3]

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