Overview
- In his first broadcast interview since being dismissed, Peter Mandelson offered an apology for institutional failures that let down Epstein’s victims but declined a personal apology for maintaining the relationship.
- He said he was kept separate from Epstein’s “sexual side” because he is gay and insisted he never saw misconduct, describing Epstein as an “evil monster.”
- Mandelson called the continued friendship a “terrible mistake” born of misplaced loyalty after believing Epstein’s and his lawyer’s claim that he had been falsely criminalised, which he now regrets.
- He said he understands why he was sacked as U.K. ambassador and stated he will not seek to reopen or relitigate the decision.
- Government figures criticised his stance, and previously released materials — including a “best pal” birthday note and emails urging early release — underpinned his removal, with Christian Turner now appointed as ambassador.