UK Ambassador Mandelson Urged Epstein Fight Early Release

Leaked emails have revealed that Peter Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, secretly coached convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein through his child sex scandal, urging him to "fight for early release" and reassuring him of support during his legal troubles. These messages, exchanged in 2008 around the time Epstein was convicted for soliciting a minor, show Mandelson describing Epstein as his "best pal" and encouraging resilience despite the "years of torture" Epstein endured. The revelations have sparked widespread condemnation, with Epstein's victims and politicians calling for Mandelson's resignation and investigation into his conduct. Mandelson has issued multiple apologies, expressing regret for maintaining a relationship with Epstein "for far longer than I should have done" and acknowledging the embarrassment caused. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended Mandelson, emphasizing due process was followed in his appointment and stressing the importance of UK-US relations. However, the controversy continues to mount as the ambassador faces intensified pressure amid fresh details of his close ties to Epstein and ongoing criticism from victims and lawmakers.