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3.08 MB

Extraction Summary

4
People
6
Organizations
3
Locations
2
Events
2
Relationships
5
Quotes

Document Information

Type: Email correspondence / response draft
File Size: 3.08 MB
Summary

This document contains a detailed rebuttal, likely written by Dr. Lawrence Krauss, addressing sexual harassment allegations investigated by BuzzFeed News reporter Peter Aldhous. The text discusses specific investigations by Arizona State University (ASU) and Australian National University (ANU) regarding a 'selfie' incident in November 2016, where a third party alleged Krauss touched a woman's breast; Krauss denies the claim, citing university reports that found no evidence of physical contact. The document includes a forwarded email from Aldhous dated December 10, 2017, requesting an interview.

People (4)

Name Role Context
Lawrence Krauss Subject of investigation / Author (implied)
Physicist responding to sexual harassment allegations regarding a 'selfie' incident and his tenure at various univers...
Peter Aldhous Reporter
BuzzFeed News reporter investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Dr. Krauss.
Anonymous Third Party Complainant
Lodged a complaint about a selfie incident, described as an 'observer'.
Conference Attendee Subject of incident
Woman who took a selfie with Krauss; allegedly touched inappropriately but did not file a formal complaint herself.

Organizations (6)

Name Type Context
BuzzFeed News
Media organization investigating the allegations.
ASU
Arizona State University; Krauss's employer at the time.
Case
Case Western Reserve University; Krauss's former employer.
ANU
Australian National University; conducted an investigation resulting in a temporary suspension.
CFI
Center for Inquiry; hosted a conference in Las Vegas.
House Oversight Committee
Government body that produced the document (indicated by footer).

Timeline (2 events)

2017
CFI conference where a reporter watched Krauss sign books.
Las Vegas
Lawrence Krauss Reporter
November 2016
Incident involving a selfie and alleged inappropriate touching at a conference.
Unknown conference location
Lawrence Krauss Conference Attendee Third Party Observer

Locations (3)

Location Context
Location of ASU.
Location of the CFI conference.
Implied location of ANU.

Relationships (2)

Peter Aldhous Investigative Lawrence Krauss
Aldhous sent an urgent inquiry email investigating misconduct.
Lawrence Krauss Employment ASU
Krauss mentions accepting an offer at ASU.

Key Quotes (5)

"The photo submitted as part of the complaint does not provide evidence of any physical contact."
Source
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Quote #1
"I often put my hand up in front of a camera if there is a flash... so that I don't end up with a series bright spots in front of my eyes"
Source
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Quote #2
"The complainant alleged that a photo exists, showing your hand on the breast of the conference attendee who took the ‘selfie’ photo."
Source
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Quote #3
"I was surprised and dismayed that both ASU and ANU launched investigations on the basis of this"
Source
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Quote #4
"what makes this particular type of allegation so repugnant is that I get asked for literally thousands of selfies"
Source
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Quote #5

Full Extracted Text

Complete text extracted from the document (5,567 characters)

pass her regards along to my wife and vice versa. When the University informed me of the complaint I was shocked and
concerned. When I spoke to the human resources person, including relating my concerns and providing the emails in question, I was
told that no formal complaint of sexual harassment was deemed to be warranted in this case, and that the young woman in question
had agreed to that. By that time I learned of the complaint I had already announced my intentions to leave Case to accept an offer at
ASU—a very difficult decision for me because of my long-standing attachment to the University, and the excellent relations I had with
my colleagues there, both among the faculty and among the administration. Because I was already in Arizona at the time I was asked
not to have any further interaction with the student I agreed to that request because it was basically moot. I was also told that
because it was being handled informally, that (a) it should remain confidential, which I, at least abided by, and (b) if no further
complaints were lodged in that case, that the University would remove the allegation from my record after 5 years, which makes me
surprised that someone violated that written agreement with you.
Re item 6: You report on ASU’s response to item #6 , without including the fact that the University specifically stated there were never
any allegations of sexual misconduct or harassment by me at the University, and the outside complaints were in fact related
specifically to your item #6. Further you neglect to mention that this complaint was by an anonymous third party, not the individual
who was allegedly harassed, who never lodged a complain, and that no specific evidence was provided of the alleged transgression. I
was surprised and dismayed that both ASU and ANU launched investigations on the basis of this but was told by both Universities that
because of my high profile even such unsubstantiated third party complaints at private events unrelated to the University would be
investigated. The complaint was investigated thoroughly by both ASU and ANU and both came to the conclusion that it was not
credible and no university policies had been violated. . In addition ANU’s investigation, which took a full month found significant
inconsistencies in the allegation, suggesting distortion and fabrication, I will quote from the ANU report. The initial complaint, which in
fact resulted in a temporary suspension by ANU outlined the claim you made in the words you quoted in your note to me, along with
the statement made in the complaint that
"It is the University’s understanding that a complaint was lodged directly to the conference organisers at the time of the incident."
After the investigation, the final report absolved me of any wrongdoing, and indicated information inconsistent with the original claim
and apparent later claims as follows:
"The allegations were made by an observer to the incident.
- The complaint did not identify, nor disclose the identity of the conference attendee who was allegedly touched in
an unwelcome manner.
- The conference attendee who took the ‘selfie’ photo did not lodge a formal complaint to the conference organisers
at the time of the incident (November 2016).
- The conference attendee who witnessed the incident, did not lodge a formal complaint to the conference organisers
at the time of the incident (November 2016).
The photo submitted as part of the complaint does not provide evidence of any physical contact.
- The complainant alleged that a photo exists, showing your hand on the breast of the conference attendee who took
the ‘selfie’ photo. This photo was not made available to the Australian National University, although it was requested
in the course of the investigation."
(And for the record I often put my hand up in front of a camera if there is a flash, as I specifically request selfies not to include flashes,
so that I don't end up with a series bright spots in front of my eyes for the next half hour)
What makes this particular type of allegation so repugnant is that I get asked for literally thousands of selfies, and when people come
up to me they are vulnerable, often shaking, and sometimes overly aggressive. I am particularly proud of the way I attempt to make all
people feel at ease, and respected, rather than humiliated. Thus, this false claim strikes at the heart of what I am about, which is to
acknowledge fans in a way that makes them feel appreciated. As I understand you had a reporter watching me sign books and take
selfies at the CFI conference in Las Vegas this year, that behavior is what they will have witnessed. Moreover, I am proud of the
interactions I have had at both Case and ASU, with students, colleagues and staff. I have had numerous female graduate students,
postdocs, employees, and colleagues, and as ASU attested to you, none of these have ever complained of harassment. Quite the
contrary in fact, as I have worked hard to support them, mentor them, and treat them with respect. I treat others as responsible adults,
and I expect to be treated equally.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Peter Aldhous [REDACTED]
Subject: URGENT: BuzzFeed News inquiry re allegations of sexual harassment
Date: December 10, 2017 at 5:12:27 PM PST
To: [REDACTED]
Dr. Krauss:
As you know, I’m a reporter for BuzzFeed News who has been investigating sexual misconduct allegations
against you. As we’ve already discussed by email, I’d very much like to interview you about these allegations
in detail.
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