Peter Mandelson says sexuality shielded him from Epstein’s abuse circle

Former UK Ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson has insisted that his sexuality led Jeffrey Epstein to keep him “apart from the sexual side” of the disgraced financier’s activities. Mandelson, who was sacked last September after supportive emails to Epstein emerged, maintained in a BBC interview that being gay meant he was excluded from Epstein’s predatory social circles.

Mandelson, who has referred to Epstein as his “best pal”, told Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that, “because I was a gay man in his circle, I was kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life.” He said Epstein had distinct groups of associates: the financial and political, and then the circle involving young women - he never crossed paths with the latter.

He added that during visits to Epstein’s homes - ranging from his New York residence to his private island - he only ever encountered “middle‑aged housekeepers”, and never saw the victims Epstein abused. 

Mandelson expressed regret for a system that failed Epstein’s victims, but stopped short of apologising for his own ties. He stated he would only say sorry personally if he had been complicit or aware of the abuse. “I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing,” he insisted. 

Instead, he described his continued friendship after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor as “misplaced loyalty” and “a most terrible mistake”.

Criticism swiftly followed. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle urged Mandelson to offer “a full apology” to Epstein’s victims “whenever [he is] asked to do so”. Kyle said: “I think anyone associated with that man should be thinking very carefully about it.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, appearing on ITV News, described Mandelson’s stance as “deep naivety” and suggested his refusal to apologise personally undermined the opportunity to show remorse.

Mandelson was dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September following revelations of his close relationship with Epstein - including an email urging the financier to “fight for early release” after his 2008 conviction. Christian Turner has since taken up the post as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. 

In the BBC interview, Mandelson described Epstein as “evil”, defended his honesty about not being involved, and said he would not revisit the matter again. His public defence hinged on the claim that his sexuality separated him from the darkest aspects of Epstein’s crimes.