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Peter Mandelson Apologizes for Friendship with Jeffrey Epstein Amid Scandal

KVIA•Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:47 AM•CNN Newsource

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Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S., has publicly apologized for maintaining his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After facing backlash for a limited apology regarding systemic failures affecting Epstein’s victims, Mandelson issued a more comprehensive statement acknowledging his mistake in continuing their association post-conviction. He expressed regret for believing Epstein's lies and emphasized the need to listen to the voices of victims who suffered. Mandelson's ties to Epstein have drawn scrutiny, especially after emails surfaced showing support for Epstein during his legal troubles. This controversy highlights the ongoing discussions about accountability and the protection of victims in high-profile cases.

Key Details: • Mandelson was fired from his ambassador role in September due to his ties with Epstein. • He described Epstein as 'my best pal' in a birthday book from 2003. • Mandelson's initial apology was criticized for being insufficient, prompting a fuller statement. • He claims he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities until after Epstein's death.

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