Mandelson Regrets Suffering of Epstein's Victims, Stands by His Relationship with Him

Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, conveyed his sorrow for the women who were victimized by the late American businessman and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, he declined to issue an apology regarding his association with Epstein.

Mandelson, who was dismissed from his role last September after emails revealed a closer relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged, stated in a BBC interview that the judicial system failed to adequately protect the victims and ensure their voices were heard.

Despite this, he maintained that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and did not consider himself complicit, asserting that he had believed Epstein's claims of wrongful conviction.

He remarked, "Now I wish I had not believed that narrative."

The British government justified Mandelson's dismissal by noting that the extent of his connections with Epstein was significantly different from what was known at the time of his appointment, igniting considerable controversy in both political and media circles.

Through this statement, Mandelson seeks to distinguish his personal accountability from his expressed sympathy for the victims, as the fallout from the Epstein case continues to affect many prominent political figures associated with him.