Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, disclosed by the US Department of Justice, include photographs of former Labour peer Peter Mandelson appearing half-dressed next to a woman in a bathrobe. Bank records within these files indicate that Epstein transferred $50,000 to Lord Mandelson. Additional emails from the release reveal a $10,000 payment from Epstein to Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009. Further bank statements show two separate $25,000 transfers to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson in June 2004.
Being named in the Epstein documents does not imply guilt or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. A representative for Lord Mandelson stated that he has no memory of receiving funds from Epstein and cannot verify the authenticity of these records. The spokesman added that Lord Mandelson regrets any association with Epstein, including believing his deceptions and sustaining contact over time.
Photographic Evidence
Among the thousands of images in the Epstein files, several depict Lord Mandelson in a partially undressed state beside a woman wearing a bathrobe. Addressing these photos, Lord Mandelson commented, “I cannot place the location or the woman and I cannot think what the circumstances were.”
Revealed Email Exchanges
Numerous emails between Lord Mandelson and Epstein highlight a cordial relationship spanning years. These communications include arrangements for Mandelson to stay at Epstein’s New York property and discussions on political matters.
2012 Arrangement for Meetings
In a 2012 email thread, Epstein’s associate Lesley Goff contacted a woman named Svetlana, proposing that she and a friend visit Epstein’s residence to meet Peter Mandelson during his stay. The email stated, “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 Political Discussion
During the 2010 UK election campaign, an email exchange occurred shortly after Gordon Brown’s ‘bigotgate’ incident, where Brown referred to a pensioner as a “bigoted woman” on a hot microphone. Less than an hour later, Mandelson messaged Epstein from his Blackberry: “GB just caught on tape describing a pensioner woman as a bigot for raising immigration with him. The election catches fire.” Epstein replied, offering guidance: “Whoops…I already read it. He can’t backpedal now. He repudiates. All unfairness. Wherever it is found.”
2009 Stay Request
In a 2009 email, Lord Mandelson inquired about staying at Epstein’s property from Friday to Sunday. Epstein responded enthusiastically, asking about press concerns before confirming, “Your call I’m thrilled to host and sad I’m not there.” Mandelson replied that it should proceed smoothly, noting, “Better ‘facilities’ at yours.” Epstein then instructed an associate to finalize the arrangements, copying Mandelson.
Mandelson’s Statement on Association
Following his dismissal as UK Ambassador to the US last year, Lord Mandelson issued a statement expressing regret: “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.”
