2018 Buzzfeed News story contained allegations from multiple women of inappropriate comments and behavior by Krauss, who is internationally known as an outspoken atheist and for his work on the symbolic "Doomsday Clock."

After the story, ASU put Krauss on paid administrative leave and began an investigation.

Krauss, a theoretical physicist, was recruited to ASU in 2008 to become the inaugural director of the Origins Project. The research project explored questions about origins of the universe, human origins, and origins of consciousness and culture.

He announced in October 2018 that he would be retiring from ASU. Krauss repeatedly denied the allegations.

Krauss is included on a list "of Jeffrey Epstein’s Rich, Powerful, and Presidential Friends," published by the online magazine Slate.

According to an article published by New York Magazine, their relationship datesnotably contributing $6.5 million in 2003 to fund a professor's research program on evolutionary dynamics.

Epstein was arrested Saturday on an indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York that charged him with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex.

Epstein, 66, is accused of sexually exploiting and abusing underage girls at his homes in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

Epstein was able to serve much of that sentence from his Palm Beach office as part of a work-release program. He had faced a possible life sentence if convicted on the federal charges looming over him.

Under a deal he cut with federal prosecutors after an earlier arrest, in 2008, the wealthy and influential hedge fund manager agreed