Ex-UK Ambassador to US Peter Mandelson apologizes to Epstein's victims but denies ties to crimes

LONDON, UK: Britain’s former Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, apologized publicly on Sunday, January 11, to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes but stopped short of apologizing for his own association with the late financier.

In his first broadcast interview since being dismissed from his diplomatic post last year, Mandelson said that he was unaware of Epstein’s actions at the time and denied any culpability.

His remarks followed renewed scrutiny of emails that reportedly showed continued support for Epstein after a prior conviction.

Peter Mandelson voices regret but denies Epstein involvement

Speaking to the BBC, Mandelson said that his apology was directed at the institutional failures that left Epstein’s victims without protection, rather than his personal conduct.

“I want to apologize to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect,” he said. 

When asked whether he would apologize for remaining friends with Epstein after his earlier conviction, Mandelson said he would do so only if he had known about Epstein’s actions or been involved in them.

“If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologize … but I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing,” he said.

Mandelson described Epstein as an “evil monster” and said that he regretted believing explanations offered by Epstein and his legal team.

“I believed his story and that of his lawyer … that he had been falsely criminalized in his contact with these young women. Now I wish I had not believed that story,” he said.

He also claimed that he had never witnessed inappropriate conduct during his visits to Epstein’s properties, including residences in New York, New Mexico, and Epstein’s private island.

Mandelson said he believed he was shielded from that aspect of Epstein’s life. “I think the issue is that because I was a gay man in his circle, I was kept separate from what he was doing in the s****l side of his life,” he claimed.

Dismissal followed emails revealing depth of relationship with Epstein

Mandelson was dismissed from his role as the UK’s ambassador to Washington in September after emails surfaced showing a closer relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged.

In one message sent after Epstein’s 2008 conviction related to crimes, Mandelson reportedly encouraged him to “fight for early release” and expressed personal support, writing that he thought “the world” of him.

The British government said at the time that the extent of Mandelson’s ties appeared “materially different” from what was understood when he was appointed.

Downing Street later said that it was unaware of emails suggesting Mandelson believed Epstein’s conviction was wrongful and should be challenged.

Asked whether he understood his dismissal, Mandelson said, “I understand why I was sacked,” adding that he would not attempt to reopen the matter. “I’m moving on,” he said.

Following Mandelson’s removal, the British government appointed Christian Turner as the new ambassador to the United States.

The episode has prompted renewed debate in the UK over vetting procedures for senior diplomatic appointments and accountability for associations with individuals later exposed for serious crimes.