Peter Mandelson, the UK’s ambassador to the United States, has recently addressed his past relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein in light of new revelations about the financier’s misconduct. This was Mandelson’s first public comment after US lawmakers forced the release of Epstein’s 50th birthday book. He did seem penitent regarding the fate of their friendship, even as he acknowledged being removed from its impact.
In a handwritten missive inserted in Epstein’s birthday book, Mandelson called Epstein his “best friend.” The depth of their interactions and his understanding of Epstein was perhaps best illustrated when he described him in 2003 missive as an “intelligent sharp-witted man.” So we can entirely understand why Mandelson’s reflections are creating such a stir. This new settlement comes as attention continues to grow on Epstein’s ties to powerful, well-connected figures.
Mandelson acknowledged that he was too deferential to Epstein’s claims regarding his 2008 Florida indictment, taking them on faith without further inquiry. So did a host of others—corporations, universities, museums, etc. As the UK ambassador to the US admitted, this is a case of taking Epstein’s word at face value.
“I feel a tremendous sense of regret, not only that I met him in the first place, but I continued the association, and I took that at face value,” – Peter Mandelson
Mandelson’s comments lay bare his discomfort with the optics of his close association with Epstein. Simultaneously, he goes out of his way to give a much stronger disclaimer about any alleged criminal ties. He noted that he “never sought, nor did Jeffrey Epstein offer” introductions to women, which he suggested could be attributed to his own sexual orientation as a gay man.
Mandelson’s comments come at a time when conversations around the manipulative tactics used by predators like Epstein have gone increasingly mainstream. His recently published statement of sympathy for those damaged by Epstein’s predations shows he understands the wider harm that these kind of connections must cause.
“I feel a tremendous sense of sympathy for those people, those women, who suffered as a result of his behaviour and his illegal criminal activities,” – Peter Mandelson
Here’s how Mandelson described their lively, creative, sometimes fractious friendship. He relayed tales of the times that Epstein would just materialize all of a sudden. Every visit was a wonderfully adventurous combination of curiosity and uncertainty.
“Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call ‘mysterious’ parachuted into my life … you would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up … And often, no sooner were you used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone again … leaving you with some ‘interesting’ friends to entertain instead,” – Peter Mandelson
The recent release of Epstein’s birthday book has opened new discussions about his connections with the world’s most powerful and wealthy. As the sordid story of Epstein’s history continues to emerge, Mandelson has a hard legacy to defend. He has to figure out his personal relationship to one of the most demonized figures in recent American history.
With public debate on this topic building, Mandelson offers the following reflection. In doing so, they function as both a personal reckoning and further illuminate the complex nature of his relationship with Epstein. His words speak of remorse, yes, but of recognition about the dire implications that follow when you associate with hate.