"A Web of Influence: Europe's Shocking Ties to Epstein"
A trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice has sent shockwaves through European politics, exposing a tangled web of relationships between powerful figures and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Among those toppled by the revelations are senior diplomats, top politicians, and even royalty. In the UK, former Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was fired, his tenure marred by his close ties to Epstein, which included downplaying their relationship despite calling him "my pest pal" in 2003. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a leadership crisis over Mandelson's appointment, with police investigating possible misconduct in public office.
The fallout extends beyond the UK, with senior figures falling in Norway, Sweden, and Slovakia. Even Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, lost his honors, title, and taxpayer-funded mansion due to his friendly relationships with Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender.
In contrast, the US has been relatively muted in its response, despite releasing the same documents. Mark Stephens, an expert in international law, notes that the receipts are now public, "and some might wish they'd traveled less." However, experts caution that Britain shouldn't be too quick to pat itself on the back over its rapid reckoning with Mandelson.
The US has seen a few high-profile figures face repercussions over their ties to Epstein, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, other associates of Epstein's remain largely unscathed, sparking concerns about accountability.
Europeans are taking a closer look at the extensive network of contacts that Epstein built around him. In Norway, an economic crimes unit is investigating former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland over his ties to Epstein, while high-profile diplomat couple Terje Rd-Larsen and Mona Juul have been suspended due to their relationships with the financier.
The revelations have also dented respect for the Norwegian royal family, particularly Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who exchanged jokey emails and planned visits to Epstein properties. The princess has apologized for disappointing those she let down, while her son stands trial on rape charges in Oslo.
As Europe grapples with the fallout of Epstein's web of influence, questions remain about accountability and whether those in power will be held truly accountable for their actions.
A trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice has sent shockwaves through European politics, exposing a tangled web of relationships between powerful figures and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Among those toppled by the revelations are senior diplomats, top politicians, and even royalty. In the UK, former Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was fired, his tenure marred by his close ties to Epstein, which included downplaying their relationship despite calling him "my pest pal" in 2003. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a leadership crisis over Mandelson's appointment, with police investigating possible misconduct in public office.
The fallout extends beyond the UK, with senior figures falling in Norway, Sweden, and Slovakia. Even Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, lost his honors, title, and taxpayer-funded mansion due to his friendly relationships with Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender.
In contrast, the US has been relatively muted in its response, despite releasing the same documents. Mark Stephens, an expert in international law, notes that the receipts are now public, "and some might wish they'd traveled less." However, experts caution that Britain shouldn't be too quick to pat itself on the back over its rapid reckoning with Mandelson.
The US has seen a few high-profile figures face repercussions over their ties to Epstein, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, other associates of Epstein's remain largely unscathed, sparking concerns about accountability.
Europeans are taking a closer look at the extensive network of contacts that Epstein built around him. In Norway, an economic crimes unit is investigating former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland over his ties to Epstein, while high-profile diplomat couple Terje Rd-Larsen and Mona Juul have been suspended due to their relationships with the financier.
The revelations have also dented respect for the Norwegian royal family, particularly Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who exchanged jokey emails and planned visits to Epstein properties. The princess has apologized for disappointing those she let down, while her son stands trial on rape charges in Oslo.
As Europe grapples with the fallout of Epstein's web of influence, questions remain about accountability and whether those in power will be held truly accountable for their actions.
, this is getting too deep and twisted. It seems like everyone involved knew or suspected something was off but didn't act on it. The lack of transparency from the US is pretty interesting 
, they're only releasing documents now? Meanwhile, in Europe, some people seem to be getting away scot-free 
, which doesn't sit well with me at all 
. The royal family's connection to Epstein is still hard to wrap my head around 
, but I guess you can say they're not immune from scrutiny anymore 
.
and now that the docs are out, everyone's getting called out 
but what about the ppl who covered their tracks tho? are they gonna be held accountable too?
it's wild that the british pm is already having a leadership crisis over one of his diplomats who was BFFs with epstein 
meanwhile thorbjorn jagland in norway is getting investigated for his ties to epstein 
like get ready for some serious reckoning, europe! 
Like, Peter Mandelson was ambassador to the US and he's basically getting canned because of his friendship with Epstein? What's next? 
The royal family is also taking a hit, and I'm not surprised - if you're gonna be friends with someone who gets accused of being a sex offender, you've got some 'splainin' to do! 
I mean, I get it, we all make mistakes, but this level of accountability? That's what I like about it though. It's about time people in power were held accountable for their actions. 
. And it's not just the UK, either – Norway and Sweden are dealing with their own scandals too 
You can't separate the art of living from the act of dying 
it's like they thought they were untouchable. Norway's investigation into Thorbjorn Jagland is a good start, but we need to see more concrete actions taken against those who enabled Epstein's abuse.
think its wild that even royalty got affected 
is this how we really wanna be doing our homework on ethics? 
for covering it up [
️. We need to be expecting more names to come forward and more consequences for those who have been accused of wrongdoing. It's also important that we're having these conversations about accountability and power structures in our institutions, because it seems like a lot of people thought they were above the law.
. I mean, Peter Mandelson gets fired over his ties to Epstein, but that doesn't seem to be enough. We need to see more action from those in power to address these kinds of issues.
the uk's reaction is pretty muted tho, considering mandelson was basically best buds with epstein... what's good with starmer just letting him slide already? 
the fact that Mandelson got fired in the UK but there r still ppl doin the same thing is really messed up 
also gotta ask, where r the consequences 4 Epstein himself? shouldnt he b held accountable 4 his crimes 2?