Lord Mandelson, a former US ambassador, has been removed from his honorary position at the Design Museum in London due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows his dismissal by PM Keir Starmer in September over revelations about his close ties with Epstein. Additionally, Manchester Metropolitan University and an Oxford college have stripped Mandelson of honors, further distancing themselves from him. It has come to light that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein until as recent as 2016.
The Design Museum recently took action to remove Mandelson from its list of former trustees after being contacted by the media. A spokesperson clarified that Mandelson no longer holds any formal role at the museum and that the removal of his honorary title was decided by the museum itself.
Email correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein, obtained from Epstein’s estate, indicates ongoing communication between the two individuals. Mandelson advised Epstein to avoid Prince Andrew, who has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. The emails also show Epstein forwarding interview requests to Mandelson related to the allegations against him and Prince Andrew.
Mandelson’s involvement with Epstein has led to various repercussions, including his removal from the Washington mission and the loss of his honorary positions. Despite expressing regret for his association with Epstein, Mandelson’s past actions continue to impact his reputation. The Design Museum, a registered charity, dissociated itself from Mandelson amidst ongoing exhibitions and activities.
Mandelson’s exchange with Epstein in 2016 preceded his appointment as chairman of the Design Museum. The museum, known for its cultural exhibitions, has received funding from various sources, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Mandelson, when contacted for comment, expressed his regrets over his past relationship with Epstein.