Recent releases from the US Department of Justice include photographs showing former Labour peer Peter Mandelson partially dressed beside a woman in a bathrobe, alongside thousands of other images. Bank records indicate that Jeffrey Epstein transferred $50,000 to Lord Mandelson. Additional emails reveal a $10,000 payment from Epstein to Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009. Further bank statements confirm two $25,000 transfers to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson in June 2004.
Experts emphasize that appearing in these Epstein-related documents does not imply guilt or knowledge of his criminal activities.
Financial Transactions Detailed in Records
A spokesman for Lord Mandelson stated that he has no memory of receiving funds from Epstein and cannot verify the authenticity of these documents. The spokesman added that Lord Mandelson regrets any association with Epstein, including believing his deceptions and sustaining contact.
Photographs and Personal Context
Regarding the images, Lord Mandelson commented, “I cannot place the location or the woman and I cannot think what the circumstances were.”
Emails Highlighting a Long-Standing Connection
Numerous emails exchanged between Lord Mandelson and Epstein over several years demonstrate a cordial relationship. These communications include arrangements for Mandelson to stay at Epstein’s New York City residence and discussions on political matters.
2012 Arrangement Involving Guests
In a 2012 email exchange, Epstein’s associate Lesley Goff messaged a woman named Svetlana, noting, “Hope all is well. Jeffrey will be in NY next week and Peter Mandelson will be around as well. Jeffrey was asking if you and ‘your friend’ could come by and meet Peter.” Lord Mandelson responded that he does not recognize Svetlana and has no recollection of encountering her or her companion.
2010 Exchange on Political Incident
During the 2010 election campaign, shortly after Prime Minister Gordon Brown referred to a Rochdale pensioner, Gillian Duffy, as a “bigoted woman” on a live microphone, Lord Mandelson informed Epstein via Blackberry message: “GB just caught on tape describing a pensioner woman as a bigot for raising immigration with him. The election catches fire.” Epstein replied soon after, advising, “Whoops…I already read it. He can’t backpedal now. He repudiates. All unfairness. Wherever it is found.” This occurred less than an hour before Brown’s public acknowledgment of the gaffe.
2009 Stay Request
In a 2009 email, Lord Mandelson inquired if he could stay at Epstein’s property from Friday to Sunday that weekend. Epstein responded by asking about potential press concerns and expressed enthusiasm to host, despite his absence. Mandelson assured it would be manageable, noting, “Better ‘facilities’ at yours.” Epstein then directed an associate to finalize the preparations, copying Mandelson.
Mandelson’s Reflection on Association
Following his dismissal as Ambassador to the US last year, Lord Mandelson issued a statement: “I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered. I was never culpable or complicit in his crimes. Like everyone else I learned the actual truth about him after his death. But his victims did know what he was doing, their voices were not heard and I am sorry I was amongst those who believed him over them.”
