Mette-Marit Opens Up on Epstein Ties

0:00It's March 20th, and here's what's happening across entertainment and pop culture. Crown Princess Mede-Marit, of Norway, opened up in her first interview about her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The 52-year-old royal spoke to Norwegian outlet NRK on March 19th from her home at Scalgam. She addressed documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, released on January 30th, that highlighted their connection from 2011 to 2014. That period came after Epstein's 20 OA conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution, including from a minor for which he served. 13 months of an 18-month sentence. Mede-Marit explained she met him through a mutual friend and visited his Palm Beach home once, but cut ties in 2014 after feeling. Manipulated and unsafe during one encounter. She grew emotional during the talk. Her voice cracking as she took responsibility for not betting him better, while stressing that the real victims deserve justice. Her husband, Crown Prince Hayekhan, also 52, recalled a phone call where she felt uneasy around Epstein, which shifted her view of him.

1:07The interview came amid family challenges, including her worsening chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which has kept her out of public view since late. January and sideline her from an upcoming state visit. Meanwhile, her 29-year-old son, from a prior relationship, just wrapped a trial in Oslo on dozens of charges, including rape, with no verdict. Yet, Mede-Marit has spent years processing the guilt and anger over Epstein's crimes, focusing now on family support in her health as the royals navigate. These tough times.