File photo

Lord Mandelson, in a revealing BBC interview, stated he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and was "kept separate" from that aspect of the financier's life due to his sexuality. Mandelson, recently dismissed from his role as the UK's ambassador to the US, stressed he never witnessed any misconduct at Epstein's properties. He declined to apologise to Epstein's victims, stating he did not know of Epstein's activities.

Epstein, who died in 2019 while in custody, had a history of sex crime convictions. Following his 2008 conviction, Mandelson's supportive emails to Epstein were uncovered, leading to his dismissal. Lord Mandelson asserted he only encountered housekeepers during visits to Epstein’s properties and was unaware of any illegal activities.

The government expressed concerns about Mandelson's communications with Epstein, which suggested an unexpected depth to their relationship. Labor's Heidi Alexander commented on Mandelson's "naiveté" and criticised his decision to maintain ties with Epstein. Mandelson's statements about Epstein's wrongful conviction further complicated matters, as noted by Downing Street.

Looking forward, Mandelson is focused on moving past the controversy, acknowledging the government's decision to dismiss him. He admitted surprise at the content of his past emails, acknowledging he did not recall sending them. Meanwhile, the government aims to ensure more stringent evaluations for such high-profile positions, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• Lord Mandelson claims ignorance of Epstein's actions due to a lack of exposure.

• Mandelson's supportive emails to Epstein led to his dismissal as ambassador.

• Government seeks to reassess vetting for government roles following the incident.

Related Story:

Lord Mandelson's Shocking Epstein 'Best Pal' Birthday Message

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-12

 

 

Strange ..gays are not usually so .....

uninformed ?

1 hour ago, Jim Blue said:

Strange ..gays are not usually so .....

uninformed ?

That's a big generalisation, please explain what you mean?

I guess he's saying he's gay, Epstein knew that, so Epstein and his procurers kept him separate from their underage girl abusing. On the face of it, it's a credible sounding story but not really proof.

22 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

That's a big generalisation, please explain what you mean?

Just a cheap shot.

He's playing the gay card.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if he is gay, he still kept in contact and was friends with a known, convicted Pedophile. He should just admit it, apologize and move on.

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

He's playing the gay card.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if he is gay, he still kept in contact and was friends with a known, convicted Pedophile. He should just admit it, apologize and move on.

How does one "play the gay card" ?

You seem to know a lot about it....

4 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

How does one "play the gay card" ?

You seem to know a lot about it....

"You're gay". "It takes one to know one". Is that really the best you've got? Are you 13? 😄

If you really don't know what it means, read the OP again.

13 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

He's playing the gay card.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if he is gay, he still kept in contact and was friends with a known, convicted Pedophile. He should just admit it, apologize and move on.

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

How does one "play the gay card" ?

You seem to know a lot about it....

Please explain how one plays the gay card?

Bet Peter Thiel didn't visit, either!

12 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

Please explain how one plays the gay card?

That's three " please explains " .....do try and keep up !

A lot of people were friendly with Epstein, it doesn't mean that they were guilty of sex crimes. It's likely a relatively small percentage of the people that ran in his circle actually got with the underage gals. Only Trump, Clinton and a select group, most likely.

On 1/12/2026 at 8:48 AM, JBChiangRai said:

Please explain how one plays the gay card?

Perhaps I should explain how to properly use the Quote function first? 😄

11 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Perhaps I should explain how to properly use the Quote function first? 😄

Please do

On 1/11/2026 at 5:00 PM, Jingthing said:

I guess he's saying he's gay, Epstein knew that, so Epstein and his procurers kept him separate from their underage girl abusing. On the face of it, it's a credible sounding story but not really proof.

Virginia Giuffre mentioned in an interview that Obama, Tom Hanks and George Clooney used to visit the Island for the boys.

13 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

A lot of people were friendly with Epstein, it doesn't mean that they were guilty of sex crimes. It's likely a relatively small percentage of the people that ran in his circle actually got with the underage gals. Only Trump, Clinton and a select group, most likely.

There's never been any suggestion that Trump was involved with the underraged girls and no accusations of such indiscretions have been made of him.

3 hours ago, GoodieAfterDark said:

Virginia Giuffre mentioned in an interview that Obama, Tom Hanks and George Clooney used to visit the Island for the boys.

Garbage source.

He's had plenty of time to come up with a plausible excuse, he turned a blind eye at the very least, no road back this time

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Garbage source.

Yes, I might agree with you partly. She has changed her story a few times. And after she supposedly exposed a few different people, she died and her fortune vanished. Maybe she changed her name and started a new life. Or maybe she was silenced. There is absolutely NO saint this this story and I have my doubts if anyone will be prosecuted.

On 1/12/2026 at 8:35 AM, JonnyF said:

He's playing the gay card.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if he is gay, he still kept in contact and was friends with a known, convicted Pedophile. He should just admit it, apologize and move on.

He has been caught out in so many hooky enterprises and abuses of his positions, apologized and moved on so many times, that he has probably run out of places to move to. The fellow is utterly, cynically and serially corrupt.

12 hours ago, GoodieAfterDark said:

Virginia Giuffre mentioned in an interview that Obama, Tom Hanks and George Clooney used to visit the Island for the boys.

As usual, it's BS! 🤣