British US ambassador Peter Mandelson maintained a close personal relationship with the notorious Jeffrey Epstein, even continuing to support him after Epstein faced accusations of seeking sex from minors in Florida back in 2008.
At 71, Mandelson expressed his discontent regarding the charges against Epstein, conveying a sense of love and urging others to advocate for his early release, as reported by Bloomberg News.
“I think both of us are very frustrated and upset about what transpired,” Mandelson wrote in a June 2008 email to Epstein. “It’s hard to wrap my mind around it. It wouldn’t have happened in the UK.”
Mandelson was serving on the European Union’s Trade and Economic Security Committee during this time.
His email continued, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a philosophical outlook: “You’ve got to fight for early releases and remain strong. It’s been a long, torturous journey, and now it’s time to show everyone your strength.”
“Your friends are with you and love you,” he reassured Epstein.
In one exchange from the more than 100 emails shared between 2005 and 2010, Mandelson reached out just before Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison for procuring minors for prostitution.
Epstein ultimately served 13 months before being released.
While many emails were brief and informal, others were puzzling. In a January 2008 message, Epstein mentioned an upcoming meeting with “Lefki,” likely referring to his defense attorney, and asked Mandelson for assistance with legal matters.
Another conversation from October 2005 showed them discussing travel plans. Mandelson expressed difficulty securing a ticket for St. Barts, contemplating routes through New York or Miami, and asked if he could join Epstein on his trip to a private Caribbean island.
As the investigation in Florida was unfolding, Epstein complained about poor information from the prosecutor and claimed to have easily passed a lie detector test.
“I’m always here for you if you need anything,” Mandelson wrote in one email where he checked in for updates on Epstein’s situation.
A month later, he expressed concern about not hearing from Epstein, asking, “Have you made any progress after your meetings?”
Epstein, who died in a Manhattan prison in 2019, was facing federal charges related to child sex crimes at that time.
Months prior to Epstein’s guilty plea, Mandelson advised him to consider strategic techniques from “The Art of War.” “We need to fight smart; it’s all about strategy,” he emphasized.
While in prison, Epstein received messages from Mandelson, one of which was particularly adoring. Meanwhile, Epstein mentioned a potential pardon from Florida Governor Charlie Crist during their correspondence.
Governor Crist later claimed he did not recall any discussions involving Epstein and Mandelson and had never been approached to pardon anyone related to Epstein’s case.
This flow of emails surfaced alongside reports that Mandelson contributed ten pages to a birthday book edited by Ghislaine Maxwell, acknowledging Epstein as his “best companion.” This book included personal notes and images, even one of Epstein enjoying a moment in a bathrobe.
Recently, Mandelson expressed regret over his lengthy friendship with Epstein. “I feel deep sympathy for those affected by his actions,” he remarked in a podcast interview. “I regret the relationship profoundly. I overlooked the implications because I took his words at face value.”
Mandelson concluded by reflecting on how he had not only formed the association but had also chosen to maintain it without fully understanding the gravity of Epstein’s circumstances.
