Overview
- Peter Mandelson said he would only apologize for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein if he had known of the crimes or been complicit, offering instead an apology for a system that failed the victims.
- He asserted he never witnessed wrongdoing during visits to Epstein’s homes and said he was kept separate from Epstein’s sexual life because he is gay.
- Mandelson called his continued support for Epstein after the 2008 conviction a terrible mistake and misplaced loyalty, saying he believed assurances from Epstein and his lawyer at the time.
- He said he understands why he was removed as U.K. ambassador to the United States, following the release of emails in which he called Epstein “my best pal” and urged him to fight for early release.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander criticized his refusal to apologize directly to victims, and the government has since named Christian Turner as the next U.K. ambassador to the U.S.