Giuffre Family Condemns Mandelson Appointment, raising New Questions About UK-US Ties & Epstein Vetting
Washington D.C. – The family of Virginia Giuffre, the central figure in allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, has sharply criticized the recent appointment – and subsequent withdrawal - of Lord Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. In their first UK broadcast interview since Giuffre’s death, Giuffre’s brother, sky Roberts, and his wife Amanda, told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that Mandelson’s initial selection “speaks to how deep the corruption goes in our systems.”
The controversy stems from the release of emails revealing Mandelson offered support to Epstein in 2008 while the financier faced sex abuse charges. These emails prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to withdraw Mandelson’s appointment, but the family argues the initial vetting process was deeply flawed and indicative of a broader systemic issue.
Why This Matters:
This situation arrives at a particularly sensitive moment, as it raises critical questions about accountability for individuals connected to Epstein and the thoroughness of vetting procedures for high-level political appointments. The timing, just days before a planned state visit by former president Donald Trump, further amplifies the scrutiny on UK-US relations. Senior ministers and opposition parties in Westminster are now demanding answers regarding what information was known during the vetting process and when.
Key Developments:
* Emails Reveal Support: Newly released emails show Mandelson urging Epstein to “fight for early release” while he awaited sentencing for soliciting prostitution from a minor. He also expressed personal support, writing, “Your friends stay with you and love you.”
* Family Outrage: Amanda Roberts, Giuffre’s sister-in-law, questioned why it takes survivors and their families to expose wrongdoing. “Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?” she asked the BBC.
* Mandelson’s Response: Mandelson has consistently maintained he was unaware of Epstein’s abuse. He has expressed regret for his association with Epstein, stating he felt “utterly awful” about it.
* Government Scrutiny: Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty acknowledged that the released emails revealed a “materially different” extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein than previously known.
* Temporary Leadership: With Mandelson’s withdrawal, James Roscoe, the British deputy head of mission, will temporarily oversee the embassy and arrangements for President Trump’s visit.
The Giuffre family’s public condemnation underscores the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal and the ongoing demand for
