Overview
- In a statement sent on Monday evening, he said he was wrong to believe Jeffrey Epstein after the 2008 conviction and apologized for continuing the association.
- He maintained he was not culpable or aware of Epstein’s crimes and said he had been kept separate from the sexual side of Epstein’s life because he is gay.
- The apology came two days after he refused to personally say sorry in a BBC interview, prompting criticism from ministers and campaigners.
- He was dismissed as UK ambassador to the US in September after emails and a 2003 birthday book showed a closer friendship, including calling Epstein his “best pal” and urging him to “fight for early release.”
- Political pressure persists, with fresh calls to strip his right to sit in the House of Lords despite his apology.