Woman in Infamous Epstein Photo Breaks Silence on Mandelson Underwear Image
A woman reportedly featured in the notorious photograph of former Labour minister Peter Mandelson standing in his underwear has broken her silence, revealing new details about the shocking image from the Jeffrey Epstein files. The photo, which shows Mandelson in white pants and a black t-shirt while apparently showing something to a woman, was released by the US government with the woman's face redacted.
Epstein Likely Took the Photo Himself
The woman, identified as a former Russian model who was part of Epstein's inner circle for several years, has revealed that she believes the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein likely took the photograph himself. According to her account published in the Daily Mail, the image was snapped around 2010 in Epstein's home, specifically in a room she referred to as "the library," with Epstein seated behind his desk at the time.
"I don't remember [Mandelson] walking around like that often," the woman stated. "Possibly he could have been getting a massage. There was a masseuse who came quite often. I think she was from Lithuania. Honestly, I don't remember what we were looking at, [it seems] as if he was showing me something, some gadget."
Mandelson's Troubled Relationship with Epstein
Peter Mandelson, the former European Commissioner and Labour Party strategist, has faced significant scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The 72-year-old was sacked as ambassador to the United States in September over his links to the convicted paedophile and subsequently resigned from the House of Lords in February. Last month, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
When the underwear photograph was initially released as part of the Epstein files, Mandelson claimed he had no recollection of where the image was taken or who the woman was, even suggesting he couldn't verify the authenticity of the documents. A spokesperson for the disgraced politician stated that Mandelson regrets ever having met Epstein and deeply regrets believing his lies and maintaining contact with him.
Critical Assessment of Mandelson's Behavior
The woman in the photograph provided a scathing assessment of Mandelson's behavior during his time in Epstein's circle. She described Epstein as someone who "loved taking provocative photos where people looked far from their best" and called the Mandelson image "disgusting."
"[Mandelson] is not the most pleasant person in the world anyway, and in his underpants... aside from grimacing, [the picture] evokes no other emotions," she added.
The former model also claimed Mandelson treated the women in Epstein's homes with "arrogance" and was "looking down on us." She characterized him as a "freeloader" who moved between yachts and Epstein's various properties.
Broader Connections to Epstein's Network
The woman revealed that she lived in Epstein's New York City townhouse for some time and allegedly met Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten Windsor) when he visited in December 2010. This connection highlights the extensive network of powerful individuals who associated with Epstein before his crimes were fully exposed.
In January, Mandelson claimed he was not aware of Epstein's crimes "because of the lies he told me and so many others." He added: "I was wrong to believe him following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards."
The Mirror has reached out to Peter Mandelson's representatives for comment on these latest revelations, but no response has been received at the time of publication. The woman's account provides new insight into the circumstances surrounding one of the most controversial images to emerge from the Epstein scandal.
