The UK’s new US ambassador expresses regret over ties with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but lashes out when questioned further.
Peter Mandelson, Britain’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, erupted in anger when questioned about his past connection to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour minister, known for his forthright manner, took issue with the persistent focus on his relationship with the disgraced billionaire.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mandelson, 69, expressed regret over his meeting with Epstein, which occurred when he was introduced to the financier by his former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. “I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner Ghislaine Maxwell,” Mandelson stated, adding, “I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women.”
However, when pressed further on the topic, Mandelson lost his composure, telling the Financial Times team, “I’m not going to go into this. It’s an FT obsession and frankly, you can all f*** off. OK?”
Maxwell, Epstein’s long-time associate, is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein. A 2019 internal JPMorgan report, which was later revealed in a New York court filing in 2023, also referenced Mandelson’s close relationship with both Epstein and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
Mandelson’s diplomatic appointment has faced scrutiny even before he took office. There had been reports suggesting that former President Donald Trump was considering blocking his nomination, creating a significant diplomatic hurdle for UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Despite these concerns, Mandelson remains confident about his ability to work effectively with the Trump administration, insisting he was not the “ultra-liberal” figure many perceived him to be.
“I’m not a wokey-cokey sort of person,” Mandelson stated, adding that his pro-market, pro-business stance would resonate with Trump’s team. He also revealed that former US President George W. Bush had given him the nickname “Silvertongue” due to his diplomatic negotiation skills.
Mandelson’s outburst regarding Epstein followed his recent shift in tone towards President Trump. Just days after Trump approved his appointment, Mandelson retracted earlier remarks calling Trump a “danger to the world” and expressed newfound respect for the president. “I think he has won fresh respect, certainly from me,” Mandelson said, stressing that this respect would underpin his work as ambassador.
In discussing Trump’s potential for a second term, Mandelson remarked, “I think he could become one of the most consequential American presidents I have known in my adult life,” suggesting his disruptive style could lead to significant change.
