'I never left your side': Emails reveal more about Mandelson's Epstein friendship
'I never left your side': Emails reveal more about Mandelson's Epstein friendship
Emails between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein appear to show their friendship was closer than suspected.
Read the full article on BBC Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim about the closeness of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein is supported by email evidence, but the overall accuracy is questionable due to the evolving nature of the story and conflicting accounts. There is a moderate bias towards highlighting the negative aspects of the relationship and its implications. The article relies on selective reporting and omission of context.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Emails between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein appear to show their friendship was closer than suspected.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson's partner and references released emails showing their friendship.
- Verification Source #2: Quotes an email from Mandelson to Epstein while Epstein was pleading guilty to child sex offences, suggesting continued contact.
- Verification Source #5: States that 'new information' had emerged relating to the former ambassador's friendship with Epstein, revealed by emails.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources confirming the existence of emails and their content suggesting a closer relationship.
- Claim: Implied claim: Mandelson was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities.
- Verification Source #3: Mandelson claims he never saw any young women at Epstein's.
- Verification Source #2: Shows Mandelson emailed Epstein even as Epstein was pleading guilty to child sex offences, suggesting either awareness or a concerning lack of judgment.
- Assessment: Contradicted. While Mandelson claims ignorance, the timing of his continued contact raises questions.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 2: 'As Epstein was pleading guilty to child sex offences, Mandelson emailed him: “I think the world of you and …' This suggests a continued relationship even after Epstein's crimes were known.
- Source 1: 'Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson's partner, released emails show ... his friendship with Epstein.'