Lord Mandelson's Embarrassing Association with Pedophile Epstein Revealed
Lord Mandelson's close friendship with financier Jeffrey Epstein has come under intense scrutiny after a birthday message from the Labour grandee, in which he calls Epstein "my best pal", was revealed. The message, reportedly contained in a birthday album put together for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, is the latest in a series of embarrassing developments for the ambassador to the United States. Recent reports have exposed connections between Epstein and high-profile figures, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, with Democrats in Congress calling for greater transparency.
Key Takeaways:
- Lord Mandelson referred to Epstein as "my best pal" in a birthday message, reported to be contained in a album put together for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003.
- The Labour grandee maintained a "particularly close relationship" with Epstein, whom he affectionately referred to as "Petie", according to court documents.
- Photographs show Lord Mandelson and Epstein shopping for clothes in the Caribbean in 2005 and celebrating a birthday at Epstein's Paris apartment in 2007.
- Trump and Clinton were also dinner party guests at Epstein's Manhattan home, as reported by a 2002 New York Magazine article.
- A drawing of a nude woman in permanent marker was reportedly included in a birthday message from Trump, in which he wrote "enigmas never age" and ended with the words: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret."
- Democrats in Congress have written to the Epstein estate's executors asking for an un-redacted copy of the album.
- A lawyer for hundreds of Epstein's victims, Brad Edwards, stated that he knows the executors of the estate are in possession of the book.
- Lord Mandelson's association with Epstein has been criticized by Sir Keir Starmer, who has been advised to sever ties with the ambassador.
Statistics:
- 2019: Epstein was charged with sex trafficking.
- 2003: Lord Mandelson reportedly sent a birthday message to Epstein, calling him "my best pal".
- 2002: A New York Magazine article listed Lord Mandelson as a dinner party guest at Epstein's Manhattan home, alongside Trump and Clinton.
- 2005: Photographs show Lord Mandelson and Epstein shopping for clothes in the Caribbean.
- 2007: Photographs show Lord Mandelson and Epstein celebrating a birthday at Epstein's Paris apartment.
Sources:
- The Wall Street Journal
- New York Magazine
- The Telegraph
- The New York Times
- Court documents from Epstein's case
- New York Magazine article, dated 2002.