Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein's Unusual Role as Relationship Counsellor for Lord Mandelson
Newly disclosed correspondence has uncovered that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein acted as an informal relationship counsellor between former Labour minister Lord Mandelson and his long-term partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. The emails, dating from 2009 to 2011, provide a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics of a high-profile political figure, with Lord Mandelson at one point describing being in what he termed 'basically an abusive relationship', though it remains unclear precisely to whom he was referring.
Epstein's Intervention During Incarceration
The exchanges began in July 2009, while Epstein was serving the final days of an 18-month jail sentence for soliciting prostitution. Under a work-release scheme, he was permitted to leave prison during daylight hours. An email from Epstein to Lord Mandelson suggests he met with Mr da Silva, then 53, during this period, stating: 'I spent an hour with Rinaldo [sic]. Call me tomorrow at office.' Lord Mandelson, now 72, responded gratefully, noting: 'Thanks for talking to Reinaldo. It did him (therefore me) a lot of good. You now see the problems. I cannot talk to him about these things at all, he won't listen.'
Financial Support and Emotional Mediation
By August 2009, Epstein's role deepened. He emailed Lord Mandelson to report he had 'talked him back from the edge', adding pointedly: 'You owe me. Osteopath school it is.' This referred to Epstein providing £10,000 to fund an osteopathy course for Mr da Silva, covering both tuition and living expenses. Lord Mandelson expressed uncertainty about his partner's happiness with this arrangement, but Epstein countered, claiming he received a 'dramatically different' message from Mr da Silva, who allegedly said 'that is what he wants and you are psychically interfering with all this good.'
Escalating Tensions and Security Concerns
The situation appeared to grow more fraught over time. In March 2010, Lord Mandelson emailed Epstein in a state of alarm, writing: 'I have had v bad setback with R who has somehow got into my texts... What shall I do?' Epstein warned that their email communications were 'probably compromised' as well, advising: 'Let's talk.' The correspondence continued into December 2011, with Epstein offering sympathy: 'I'm sorry you are so sad.' Lord Mandelson's reply reiterated his distress, stating: 'I am sorry too. He is so volatile in his moods and behaviour. Basically an abusive relationship.'
Context of the Long-Term Partnership
Lord Mandelson and Mr da Silva have been in a relationship for nearly three decades, solidifying their union with marriage in 2023. These emails, emerging years after Epstein's 2019 death while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, add a complex personal dimension to the financier's notorious network. When approached for comment on these revelations, Lord Mandelson did not provide an immediate statement, leaving further questions about the nature and extent of Epstein's involvement in his private affairs.
