Years after his death, the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to exert a powerful and destructive influence on the political landscape, with Peter Mandelson being the latest public figure to be toppled by his association with the disgraced financier. The scandal is a stark reminder of Epstein’s enduring and toxic legacy.
The government’s initial calculation—that Mandelson’s links were a historical issue that could be managed—severely underestimated the unique radioactivity of the Epstein name. Unlike other scandals, any connection to Epstein is not just a political problem but a deep moral stain, evoking themes of child abuse, exploitation, and elite impunity.
This moral dimension is what gives the scandal its explosive power. It’s why the testimony of Virginia Giuffre’s family resonates so strongly and why the opposition’s attacks have been so effective. They are tapping into a deep public revulsion that transcends partisan politics.
Mandelson’s downfall demonstrates that the ghost of Epstein will not be exorcised easily. It will continue to haunt any public figure who was part of his circle, serving as a permanent and unforgiving arbiter of their character. For politicians and governments, the lesson is clear: there is no “worthwhile risk” when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein.
