Lord Peter Mandelson has issued an unequivocal apology to the victims of convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, reversing his position after a weekend of controversy. The former UK ambassador to the United States was sacked from his prestigious role in September following the revelation of his continued links to the sex offender.
From Defence to Direct Apology
In a dramatic shift, Lord Mandelson released a statement to BBC Newsnight on Monday evening, directly addressing his association with Epstein. This came just a day after a major interview on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, where he had declined to apologise for the friendship, instead expressing regret for a "system" that failed Epstein's victims.
"Yesterday, I did not want to be held responsible for his (Epstein’s) crimes of which I was ignorant, not indifferent, because of the lies he told me and so many others," Mandelson stated. "I was wrong to believe him following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered."
A Friendship That Ended a Career
The political grandee's ambassadorial appointment was terminated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after emails surfaced showing Mandelson's supportive communications with Epstein. Despite Epstein pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor, the correspondence revealed a close bond.
Emails showed Lord Mandelson, who described Epstein as his "best pal" in what he later called "toe-curling" messages, urged the financier to "fight for early release" shortly before his 18-month prison sentence began. He is also reported to have told Epstein "I think the world of you" the day before incarceration.
During his Sunday interview, Mandelson admitted to "misplaced loyalty" and "a most terrible mistake," claiming he was on the "fringes" of Epstein's life and was excluded from the sexual side due to his own sexuality.
Fallout and Regret
The swift sacking in September marked a dramatic end to Lord Mandelson's tenure as the UK's top diplomat in Washington. In a letter to embassy staff, he expressed deep regret over the circumstances of his departure, calling the role "the privilege of my life."
The initial refusal to apologise personally over the weekend sparked significant criticism, forcing the peer to clarify his position within 24 hours. His final, direct apology now stands as a stark acknowledgement of the personal error in judgement that cost him his high-profile post.
