THE EPSTEIN SCANDAL: All the Resignations, Suspensions and Firings so Far

The Epstein scandal has created a MeToo-style moral panic, a witch hunt that has claimed the careers and reputations of multiple individuals. Here's a list of who's been burned so far.

Peter Mandelson

Peter Mandelson has served as a cabinet minister, EU trade commissioner, and later as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. His career has long been defined by proximity to power and by controversy, but the release of new Epstein-related material in early 2026 marked the most damaging episode yet.

The latest tranche of files showed repeated contact between Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein over several years, including communications that continued after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The material reignited scrutiny of Mandelson’s judgment and raised questions about whether his relationship with Epstein went beyond casual social contact. The controversy quickly became politically toxic, particularly after Mandelson had been reappointed to a high-profile diplomatic role.

As pressure mounted, Mandelson lost his ambassadorship and resigned from the Labour Party. However, it wasn’t Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein that was the final nail in his coffin. Police confirmed they were assessing material connected to him as part of a wider investigation into Epstein’s network and influence.

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are searching two properties linked to Mandelson.

Deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart, of the Met, said: “I can confirm that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area. The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man.”

Sewart confirmed that no arrests have been made.

The ongoing drama follows Mandelson dramatically resigning from the House of Lords after leaking sensitive information to Epstein during their long friendship.

There is no suggestion that Mandelson was involved in any of the crimes Epstein was accused of.

The move came as Keir Starmer said he had handed a dossier to the police after it emerged Mandelson had sent a string of emails to Epstein containing briefings he received as business secretary under Gordon Brown, including action the government was taking to deal with the global financial crisis.

Starmer told a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday morning he was appalled by the reported leaks and had also asked officials to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage “as quickly as possible”.

The cabinet secretary, the UK’s most senior civil servant, is examining leaked emails sent by Mandelson during the final year of Gordon Brown’s government. The correspondence includes messages relating to the possible sale of government assets and advance confirmation of a €500bn European bailout.

The latter insider information could have helped him make a profit on the stock exchange.

The documents have since been passed to the Metropolitan Police, which said it would review the emails and consider whether a broader investigation is required.

Among the material are emails forwarded to Epstein from the highest levels of government while Mandelson was business secretary, including a confidential briefing prepared for the prime minister setting out proposals for up to £20bn in asset sales.

The emails also show Mandelson saying he was “trying hard” to influence government policy on bankers’ bonuses, providing early confirmation of an impending eurozone bailout, and suggesting that the head of JPMorgan should “mildly threaten” the chancellor over bonuses.

A spokesperson for Keir Starmer said the Cabinet Office was reviewing all information it held relating to the documents. An initial assessment of the Epstein files released on Friday by the US Department of Justice found they contained “likely market-sensitive information” connected to the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent efforts to stabilise the economy.

Morgan McSweeney

Morgan McSweeney served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and was one of the most powerful unelected figures in British politics. Known as a disciplined political operator, McSweeney was not personally linked to Epstein but became ensnared through his role in Mandelson’s return to frontline politics.

McSweeney was instrumental in advising on Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador, despite Mandelson’s known past association with Epstein. When the newly released files reignited scrutiny of those ties, attention quickly turned to how and why the appointment had been approved. Critics argued that due diligence had failed at the highest level.

McSweeney with British PM Sir Keir Starmer

Today, McSweeney resigned from his post, accepting responsibility for the decision and its consequences.

In his resignation statement, he said he had acted “in good faith” but acknowledged that the decision had caused serious damage. He added that maintaining trust in government required him to step aside.

Miroslav Lajčák

Miroslav Lajčák is a former Slovak foreign minister and, until recently, the country’s national security adviser. He was a prominent figure in European diplomacy and had represented Slovakia at the United Nations.

Epstein-related documents revealed email correspondence between Lajčák and Epstein in 2018, including exchanges that appeared informal and social. The disclosures, despite demonstrating nothing illegal or particularly controversial, caused uproar in Slovakia, where opposition figures questioned why a senior security official had maintained contact with a convicted sex offender.

Lajčák resigned from his post shortly after the revelations became public, citing the need to avoid distracting the government at a sensitive time.

He denied any misconduct, describing the emails as innocuous and saying his decision to step down was made “in the interest of political stability, not because of wrongdoing.”

Jack Lang

Jack Lang is a towering figure in French cultural and political life, best known for his years as culture minister and later as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris.

The Epstein files revealed extensive communications between Lang and Epstein spanning several years. French prosecutors also opened investigations into potential financial and tax irregularities involving Lang and his family, with Epstein-linked offshore structures forming part of the inquiry.

Jack Lang outside the Louvre, Paris, with Jeffrey Epstein

Amid mounting pressure, Lang resigned from his role at the Arab World Institute. The resignation marked a dramatic fall from grace for a man once regarded as a symbol of French cultural diplomacy.

Lang rejected all allegations, saying he had “nothing to reproach himself for” and welcomed investigations as an opportunity to clear his name. He said his interactions with Epstein were connected to cultural and philanthropic discussions.

Caroline Lang

Caroline Lang, a film producer and the daughter of Jack Lang, was drawn into the scandal through financial and corporate links that surfaced in the Epstein material.

Her name appeared in documents referencing offshore companies and financial arrangements connected to Epstein, prompting scrutiny of her professional roles within the French film industry.

She resigned from her leadership position in a major producers’ organisation, stating that the controversy risked undermining the credibility of the institution.

In response, she denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal conduct and said her resignation was an act of responsibility rather than an admission of fault.

Brad S. Karp

Brad S. Karp was the longtime chairman of the elite US law firm Paul, Weiss, one of the most influential legal institutions in the world.

Documents released in 2026 showed extensive email correspondence between Karp and Epstein.

Karp resigned as chairman following internal discussions and external pressure, predominantly from the press and media, becoming one of the most senior figures in US corporate law to lose a position over Epstein-related fallout.

He acknowledged the correspondence but said it had been misinterpreted, insisting there was no professional or improper relationship.

Matthieu de Boisséson

Matthieu de Boisséson is a London-based barrister who practised at Littleton Chambers. His name appeared in Epstein-related material released as part of the wider document disclosures.

A spokesperson for the law firm told the Standard: “In light of recent information received, Chambers has suspended M. de Boisseson’s Associate Membership pending a full investigation.”

The website for Littleton Chambers no longer includes an image of de Boisséson among its team.

According to emails released, de Boisséson was in contact with both Epstein and Jean-Luc Brunel, a modelling scout accused of putting the disgraced financier in contact with various girls.

In another email, Brunel writes to de Boisséson in French saying: “I’m going to take care of my libido. Kyiv is a good clinic.” The lawyer responds: “Perfect! You’re doing a great job, dear guru.”

In an image released in the Epstein files, de Boisséson is seen with a woman whose face is redacted, alongside the model scout.

Another image reportedly shows the French lawyer being served vodka in a bottle shaped like a rifle. Responding to the Telegraph, de Boisséson downplayed the images saying they were taken “probably in a restaurant, apparently not with ‘young girls’ but with unknown women, whose faces are redacted”.

De Boisséson has denied wrongdoing and said he would cooperate fully with any inquiries. He described the scrutiny as deeply damaging and said conclusions were being drawn before facts had been established.

Mona Juul

Mona Juul is a veteran Norwegian diplomat, best known for her role in the Oslo peace process and for serving as Norway’s ambassador in the Middle East.

Epstein documents showed that she had contact with Epstein after his conviction and that he had included her children in his will. The revelations triggered intense scrutiny in Norway, where ethical standards for public officials are high.

Juul was suspended from her diplomatic duties while Norway’s foreign ministry launched an internal investigation.

Through representatives, she denied any improper relationship and said she would cooperate fully to clarify the context of her contact with Epstein.

Børge Brende

Børge Brende is a former Norwegian foreign minister and the current president of the World Economic Forum.

The released files showed that Brende had attended dinners and meetings with Epstein in the years following Epstein’s conviction. Although no criminal allegations were made, the disclosures raised questions about judgment at the highest levels of global leadership.

The World Economic Forum announced an independent review into Brende’s contacts with Epstein. He has not resigned but has stepped back from matters related to the inquiry.

Brende said he regretted the meetings and stated that, with hindsight, he should have exercised greater caution.

Terje Rød-Larsen

Terje Rød-Larsen is a Norwegian diplomat and former head of the International Peace Institute. He is also the husband of Mona Juul.

Epstein-related documents suggested close ties, including financial support and favourable property arrangements. These revelations compounded scrutiny already surrounding Epstein’s influence in international diplomacy.

Although Rød-Larsen had stepped down from his institute role years earlier, the new disclosures prompted renewed investigation into his past conduct.

He has said little publicly, citing ongoing inquiries, but has indicated through associates that he intends to cooperate.

Thorbjørn Jagland

Thorbjørn Jagland is a former Norwegian prime minister, foreign minister and former chair of the Nobel Committee.

The files revealed meetings, correspondence and hospitality linked to Epstein, prompting Norwegian authorities to open a corruption investigation examining whether Epstein provided benefits inappropriately.

Jagland has not resigned from any current post but is under active investigation, a rare and serious development in Norwegian public life.

He has denied criminal wrongdoing and said all interactions were connected to official duties.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is the wife of Norway’s future king and one of the country’s most prominent public figures.

Documents showed she had communicated with Epstein after his conviction, including exchanges that sparked public outrage in Norway.

While she has not lost her title or role, the fallout was severe. She issued a public apology in which she acknowledged ‘poor judgment’.

“I regret having had any contact with Epstein at all,” she said, calling the situation “deeply embarrassing.”

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has long been the most publicly associated royal figure connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

The latest document releases reinforced evidence of their long-standing relationship, including continued contact after Epstein’s conviction. The renewed scrutiny intensified pressure on the monarchy.

Andrew has lost military titles, royal patronages and his role as a working royal. He has also been forced out of royal residences and remains under law enforcement assessment.

He continues to deny wrongdoing and has previously said he is willing to cooperate with authorities, while disputing allegations linked to Epstein.

You can listen to my investigation into his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, by clicking here.

Joanna Rubinstein

Joanna Rubinstein was a senior Swedish nonprofit figure and chair of Sweden for UNHCR.

The Epstein files revealed that she had visited Epstein’s private island in 2012 and exchanged emails thanking him for hospitality. The visit took place years after his conviction, triggering widespread criticism.

Rubinstein resigned from her UNHCR role shortly after the disclosures.

She said the visit was a single encounter, denied any knowledge of wrongdoing at the time, and stated that stepping down was necessary to protect the organisation’s integrity.

As well as individual public downfalls, the Epstein scandal has now created a wave of official investigations, including in Poland and the Baltic states.

Poland investigates potential Russian, trafficking links

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Warsaw will examine possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services, forming a specialized investigative team to scrutinize the files for implications related to national security and possible exploitation of Polish nationals.

Baltic states launch trafficking inquiries

The release of the Epstein documents has also led to human trafficking investigations in Latvia and Lithuania. Latvian prosecutors, joined by the country’s Organised Crime Bureau, are probing the recruitment of Latvian nationals for potential sexual exploitation. Lithuanian officials similarly launched an inquiry after references to Lithuanian models and arts figures appeared in the files.

In other news, I recommend my followers to read an op-ed piece written this week by Brendan O’Neill for The Spectator. In it, O’Neill states that the scandal has morphed into a moral panic.

“That’s it, I’m out,” he writes. “I’m finished with the Epstein scandal. This morning I read about a man who is on the cusp of cancellation because he once sent a flirtatious email to Ghislaine Maxwell, years before her crimes were known about. This is getting ridiculous. It feels like MeToo on steroids.

“The man is Casey Wasserman. He’s chair of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. And there are hollers for him to stand down. All because he once got digitally horny with Ms Maxwell. ‘I think of you all the time’, he wrote in one email. ‘What do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?’, he asked.

“That’s it. A little bit of lame middle-aged wooing.”

Read the full article by clicking here.