Nobel Committee Member Asle Toje Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein Ties and Disputed Academic Claims

Oslo, Norway – Asle Toje, the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s current vice-chair, is under increasing scrutiny following revelations of his connections to individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein and questions surrounding his academic background. Recent reports have brought to light communications suggesting Toje sought to facilitate a meeting between Sylvi Listhaug, a prominent figure in the Progress Party, and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, as well as inconsistencies in his account of an academic assignment related to Holocaust denier David Irving.

Epstein-Linked Communications

According to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice and first reported by Inyheter.no, text messages from September 30, 2018, indicate that Terje Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat, attempted to utilize Epstein to arrange a meeting between Toje and Bannon. The messages suggest Toje wished to arrange a meeting between Listhaug and Bannon, noting she was a likely future leader of the Progress Party and shared ideological alignment with Bannon. Nettavisen reports that Listhaug and Toje both deny any direct contact with Epstein or Bannon.

Disputed Account of Academic Work

Further controversy surrounds Toje’s claims regarding an assignment he received during his time at the University of Cambridge. Toje stated he and fellow students were tasked by Professor Richard D. Evans with contacting David Irving, a known Holocaust denier, to formulate counter-arguments to Irving’s claims. Still, Professor Evans refuted this account, stating he never assigned such a task and did not even have Toje as a student. Inyheter.no details that Toje has offered multiple explanations for his attempts to engage with Irving, initially describing it as an “exciting student assignment.”

Toje has since admitted that he was not Evans’ PhD student and that his description of the assignment was “too categorical,” but continues to dispute claims that his account was a deliberate lie.

Concerns Over Extremist Connections

The situation is further complicated by the actions of Espen Teigen, a former politician with a fraud conviction who now works for the website Document. Teigen posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting a preference for dogs over Muslims in Norway, sparking criticism for promoting divisive rhetoric. Inyheter.no notes that such statements hinder integration efforts and stifle constructive debate on immigration.

Implications for the Nobel Committee

These developments raise questions about the integrity and judgment of a member of the prestigious Nobel Committee. The committee’s reputation relies on the impartiality and ethical conduct of its members. The ongoing scrutiny of Toje’s connections and claims could potentially damage the committee’s credibility.

As of February 26, 2026, the situation remains fluid, and further investigation may be required to fully assess the implications of these revelations.