Mandelson apologizes to Epstein's victims, denies any wrongdoing
Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to the US, has apologized to Jeffrey Epstein's victims after months of silence – but not for his own actions.
Mandelson, who was dismissed last year after his close ties to Epstein came to light, claims he had no idea about the abuse. He told the BBC that he considered Epstein a friend and believed his version of the story about being wrongfully accused. Today, he sees this as a mistake. He emphasized that he would only apologize for personal responsibility if he had known about the criminal activity.
When he was dismissed, the British government admitted that Mandelson's contacts with Epstein were deeper than originally thought.
Mandelson also believes that, as a homosexual, he was outside Epstein's sexual circles. He called Epstein a "vicious monster" and added that the system had failed the women who should have been protected.
(reuters, pir)