Ex-UK envoy Mandelson issues ‘unequivocal’ apology to Epstein's victims

Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador, has reportedly issued an “ unequivocal” apology to the victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The situation stems from a recently released cache of documents and past communications. Mandelson faced extreme criticism after failing to apologize in his first broadcast interview since being fired as Britain’s ambassador to the US in Washington last September over the issue.

Mandelson said in a statement released to the BBC’s Newsnight program on Monday, “I was wrong to believe him following the conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.”

He further said, “I apologize unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered.”

In this connection, Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed the former ‘spin doctor’ and government minister four months ago. The dismissal occurred after emails emerged showing that Mandelson remained in contact with Epstein even after the American was convicted of child offenses in 2008. Mandelson later described his actions as “misplaced loyalty” and a most terrible mistake on his part.

Additionally, the recent apology marks a final and high-profile attempt to manage the repercussions from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, though it has left many questions unanswered.

Mandelson resigned from Tony Blair’s Labour government twice-first in the late 1990s and early 2000s- over allegations of misconduct.