Mandelson says Epstein kept him “separate” from sexual abuse allegations

A senior British political figure has said he was unaware of sexual abuse linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He believes he was deliberately kept away from that side of Epstein’s life.

In his first broadcast interview since losing his role as the UK’s envoy to Washington, Lord Mandelson spoke out. He said he never witnessed young women at Epstein’s properties. He rejected calls to apologise to victims. He insisted he did not know about the crimes.

Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019. He was awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Previously, he had been convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.

“I did not know what was happening”

Speaking about his past association with Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Mandelson said he believed his sexuality protected him. He thought it excluded him from the criminal behaviour that later came to light.

He said he had been “kept separate” from Epstein’s sexual life. He visited properties in the United States and on a private island in the Caribbean. During these visits, he encountered only household staff.

“The people I saw were middle-aged housekeepers,” he said. “I never saw young women or girls, and I was never present when anything predatory was taking place.”

He added that Epstein was not present during at least one of his stays on the island.

Refusal to apologise to victims

Mandelson was asked whether he would apologise to Epstein’s victims for maintaining contact after the financier’s first conviction. He said he would only apologise if he had been complicit.

“If I had known, or if I had been culpable in any way, I would of course apologise,” he said. “But I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing.”

He said his sympathy lay with the women who were harmed. He added that institutions failed them. They allowed Epstein to continue operating for years after allegations were raised.

“I deeply regret that women who were denied a voice did not receive the protection they deserved,” he said.

Dismissal from ambassadorial role

Mandelson was removed from his diplomatic post. Emails showed he had continued corresponding with Epstein years after the financier’s conviction. These included messages offering personal support.

The government said the content of the correspondence revealed a relationship more extensive than previously disclosed.

A spokesperson for Downing Street said the messages showed a level of engagement. This level was not understood at the time of the appointment. This included remarks suggesting Epstein’s earlier conviction should be challenged.

In response, Mandelson said he accepted the decision to dismiss him and would not seek to reopen the issue.

“I understand why the prime minister acted as he did,” he said. “I’m not going to relitigate this. I’m moving on.”

Political reaction

Senior figures within the governing party said the comments showed poor judgement. One cabinet minister said an apology would have carried weight for survivors. The minister acknowledged that full details of the relationship were not known when Mandelson was appointed.

“There will clearly be questions about due diligence,” she said. She added that she would have cut ties immediately with anyone facing such convictions.

Views on US leadership

During the interview, Mandelson was asked about comments by US President Donald Trump. These comments concerned American influence in the Arctic. They included remarks about Greenland.

He said he did not believe the US would use force to seize territory. He described Trump as direct but ultimately pragmatic.

He added that strategic competition with China and Russia would increase Arctic security as a priority. The United States would lead this effort. He warned against reacting solely to rhetoric rather than policy.