WASHINGTON – Newly released documents reveal a previously undisclosed 10-page letter penned by British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, referring to him as her “best pal.” The documents, part of a trove of records released by a U.S. court, include photographs of Pierce and Epstein together, sparking renewed scrutiny of her past associations.
The correspondence, dating back to the early 2000s, details a close personal relationship between Pierce and Epstein, raising questions about vetting processes for high-ranking diplomatic officials and the extent of Epstein’s network. The release comes as further details emerge from court filings related to Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking operation and the individuals connected to him.
Lord Peter mandelson, a former Labor cabinet minister, has also faced scrutiny regarding his ties to Epstein. A spokesperson for Mandelson stated he “has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.” Mandelson previously told the Financial Times he “wished he had never met him,” describing Epstein as a “prolific networker.”
Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution and was awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges when he died in a Manhattan jail in 2019. His associate, Ghislaine maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of conspiring with Epstein to traffic minors for sex and is currently serving a 20-year sentence. The newly surfaced letter from Ambassador Pierce adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into Epstein’s extensive network and the individuals who maintained relationships with him.
