Lord Mandelson has issued a personal apology to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for maintaining his friendship with the notorious sex offender. The apology follows recent criticism faced by the former US Ambassador over his association with Epstein, highlighted in leaked emails from September.
In a recent interview, the Labour peer was questioned about apologizing to the victims for his ties to the convicted predator. While Lord Mandelson expressed regret to the women for a system that failed to protect them and listen to their voices, he initially stopped short of a full apology.
After facing backlash, Lord Mandelson provided a statement to BBC Newsnight, acknowledging his mistake in believing Epstein’s lies and continuing their association post-conviction. He unequivocally apologized to the women and girls who had suffered due to Epstein’s actions.
Some Cabinet ministers and Baroness Kennedy criticized Lord Mandelson for not apologizing sooner over his connection to Epstein. Baroness Kennedy emphasized the importance of acknowledging the victims’ suffering and expressed disappointment in Lord Mandelson’s initial response.
Lord Mandelson admitted that despite Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, he had believed Epstein’s claims of innocence. Leaked emails revealed Lord Mandelson’s supportive messages to Epstein, urging him to fight for early release, which he now finds embarrassing.
When asked about his dismissal, Lord Mandelson accepted the decision made by Keir Starmer but stated he would not revisit the issue and is focused on moving forward.