Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lawrence Krauss

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Lawrence Krauss.

Lawrence Krauss is a Canadian-American theoretical physicist and cosmologist. He is known for his work in cosmology, including his research on dark matter and dark energy. Krauss has held teaching positions at multiple universities, including Arizona State University (ASU), Yale University, and Case Western Reserve University. At ASU, he founded the Origins Project in 2008, serving as its director to explore fundamental questions about the universe. He is also a popular science communicator and has written several books, lectured widely, and appeared in media to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2002: Opposition to intelligent design gained prominence

In 2002, as a result of his appearance before the state school board of Ohio, Lawrence Krauss's opposition to intelligent design gained national prominence.

2006: Organized physics conference funded by Epstein

In 2006, Krauss organized a physics conference funded by an Epstein foundation, and later received Epstein funding for an academic project.

2008: Defended Epstein after guilty plea

In 2008, Lawrence Krauss defended Jeffrey Epstein after his guilty plea of procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18.

2011: Stated views about Epstein

In 2011, Lawrence Krauss told an interviewer about his views and relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

2011: Wrote to Epstein

In 2011, Lawrence Krauss wrote to Jeffrey Epstein, "Beyond anything else, you are my friend. I hope we can both always remember that, no matter what."

2017: Asked Epstein for advice

In 2017, Lawrence Krauss asked Jeffrey Epstein for advice in responding to allegations of sexual misconduct.

February 2018: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Reported by BuzzFeed News

In February 2018, BuzzFeed News reported allegations of sexual misconduct against Lawrence Krauss, including claims from his time at Case Western Reserve University. Krauss responded by calling the article slanderous and factually incorrect, while also apologizing for any discomfort he may have caused. Case Western Reserve restricted his campus access in response to a student complaint.

July 2018: ASU Directorship Not Renewed

In July 2018, Arizona State University (ASU) determined that Lawrence Krauss had violated university policy, leading to the non-renewal of his directorship of ASU's Origins Project for a third term.

2018: Responded to Epstein's joke

In 2018, Lawrence Krauss responded to Jeffrey Epstein's joke "Let's do a men of the world conference," by suggesting that the notional conference include Kevin Spacey, Bill Clinton, Al Franken and Woody Allen. Each of these men had been publicly accused of sexual wrongdoing.

August 2025: The New York Times published reports of letters given to Epstein

In August 2025, The New York Times published reports of letters given to Epstein for his 63rd birthday, including one from Krauss. Krauss stated that he did not recall the letter but attended several gatherings at Epstein's home.

November 12, 2025: House Committee published additional files related to Epstein

On November 12, 2025, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform published additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein showing that he had exchanged more than 60 emails with Lawrence Krauss.

February 2026: Department of Justice released further documents

In February 2026, the Department of Justice released further documents indicating that Epstein emailed Krauss in an attempt to get him to introduce him to podcaster Joe Rogan. Krauss reached out to Rogan but he refused to meet Epstein.