A controversial and deeply offensive remark allegedly made by former Norwegian diplomat TerjeRød-Larsen about Indians has resurfaced following the release of a fresh tranche of documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The email drew renewed attention after Russian state broadcaster RT shared the document on X, sparking widespread outrage online. 

The email, dated December 25, 2015, is attributed to Rød-Larsen and was reportedly sent to Epstein as part of a casual exchange titled “Re: Seasons Greetings.” The message allegedly contained a racist saying targeting Indians, which critics have described as deeply offensive and dehumanising. 

Who Is Terje Rød-Larsen?

Terje Rød-Larsen is a veteran Norwegian diplomat internationally known for his role in facilitating the Oslo Accords between Israel and Palestine. He later served as a United Nations envoy and as president of the International Peace Institute (IPI), a New York-based think tank closely associated with the UN. 

Rød-Larsen stepped down from the IPI in 2020 after his name surfaced in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Although no criminal charges were brought against him, the association raised serious questions and ultimately led to his resignation from the influential policy institution.

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Social Media Backlash Intensifies

The resurfacing of the email triggered a wave of anger on social media, particularly among Indian users. “Thank you for exposing this. We know how to treat Norwegians now,” one user wrote, while another commented simply, “Shame.” Others described the alleged remark as “racist” and “unacceptable,” accusing Western elites of harbouring deep-seated prejudice against Indians. 

Epstein’s history continues to fuel public outrage. Federal prosecutors prepared an indictment against him in 2007, and in 2008 he pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from a minor. After serving a shortened jail term, he faced renewed scrutiny in 2019, when he was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.

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