'At least there's still shame this side of the pond': Ian Hislop slams 'muted' reaction to Epstein files in US
The Private Eye editor said the contrasting reactions to the files between the UK and US showed a lack of shame in American politics
Ian Hislop has told LBC the "muted" reaction to the latest release of Epstein files in the US compared to the UK shows that there is "still shame this side of the pond."
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The Private Eye editor told Tonight with Andrew Marr the UK "have taken [the Epstein scandal] very seriously."
On the US reaction to the release by Trump's Department of Justice, Mr Hislop said: "Because there is nothing particularly conclusive about Trump, which is what everybody wanted, the story there is not as big as it is here."
The release of the files has thrust further scrutiny onto notable British figures, including Peter Mandelson, disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and British-born billionaire Richard Branson.
All three men deny wrongdoing regarding their relationship with the paedophile financier.
Read More: Sir Richard Branson said ‘bring your harem’ in email reply to Jeffrey Epstein
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Elaborating, Mr Hislop added: "We are laying full into the businessman on this side of the Atlantic... Richard Branson's behaviour and his suggestions to the disgraced paedophile about how he could restore his reputation, they do not read well, and we are going for this.
"On the other side of the Atlantic, it's all very muted."
On Tuesday, Mandelson was forced to resign from the House of Lords.
The same night, the Metropolitan Police also announced it is investigating the former US ambassador for potential misconduct in public office.
In response, Mr Hislop bluntly said that Mandelson is "in very serious trouble".
Mandelson, who was Labour MP for Hartlepool when the files suggest the payments were made, has denied any record or recollection of the payments - and has questioned their authenticity.
Mandelson was removed from his role as US Ambassador in 2025 after the extent of his association with Epstein after the financier's release from jail for procuring a minor for prostitution was revealed.
He has previously said: "I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction [in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute] and to continue my association with him afterwards.
"I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered."
In an interview with The Times carried out last week but published on Monday, Mandelson referred to a "handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending", and described Epstein as "muck that you can't get off your shoe".