Epstein ‘was gay’ theories fueled by ‘flirty’ messages
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‘I miss you’
Epstein and Mandelson appeared to have had a close personal relationship based on their emails.
Much of the correspondence details exchanges between Epstein and Mandelson, now 72, during and after Mandelson’s time as business secretary in Gordon Brown’s Labor government in Britain between 2008 and 2010, when Epstein had already been convicted of soliciting prostitution with a minor and had served a 13-month prison sentence.
The documents show what investigators describe as a close personal relationship.
Mandelson wrote to Epstein, “You are one of my best friends,” later adding, “Where are you? I miss you.’
These exchanges, cited by Justice Department officials, are at the heart of the latest investigation.
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‘Flirty’ messages revealed
Epstein exchanged intimate emails with Mandelson.
One of the most notable messages was sent by Epstein to Mandelson about his current husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, 54.
Epstein wrote: ‘I’m sorry – but as you enter the spring of senility, I think you need a co-pilot to help fly and navigate increasingly uncertain weather, rather than a perpetual passenger, who only takes one carry-on bag and complains about the lack of space, the quality of the trip and the smell of the toilet.’
A former US prosecutor familiar with the files said: “The tone of these emails has fueled theories that Epstein’s interest in Mandelson was personal and possibly sexual, and not just strategic.”
And a political source added: “People are reading these messages as flirty, which has fueled claims that Epstein may have been secretly gay.”
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Sensitive government data shared in emails?
Mandelson discussed political developments under Gordon Brown with Epstein.
The correspondence also shows that Mandelson shared sensitive government information.
On May 10, 2010, Mandelson emailed Epstein that he had “finally let him (then Prime Minister Gordon Brown) go” – apparently referring to Brown’s decision to leave the government.
Epstein replied: “I am confident, the value of some chapters in your book should now increase.”
Days earlier, Mandelson appeared to inform Epstein of a planned eurozone bailout, writing: “Sources tell me a 500 billion euro bailout almost complete.”
He continued, “It was supposed to be announced tonight.” After leaving Downing Street, he added: “Going to bed after a day of drama.”
In 2009, Mandelson sent a Whitehall note to Epstein with the comment: “Interesting note that has gone to the Prime Minister.” When Epstein asked for details, Mandelson replied: “Land, property I think.”
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Epstein urged Mandelson to influence bank policy.
Epstein also urged Mandelson to intervene on bank bonus taxes, telling him that “G(ordon) B(rown) needs friends in May,” and ordering him to “change it” and “deliver the message to Dimon personally,” referring to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.
Mandelson later replied to Epstein about Chancellor Alistair Darling, who died in 2023 at the age of 70: “Yes and slightly threatening.”
The financial connections were also described in detail.
Epstein transferred $75,000 to Mandelson and Avila da Silva between 2003 and 2004.
Mandelson later said: “I have no record and have no recollection of receiving these amounts and do not know if the documents are authentic.”
