The article highlights a significant transatlantic divide in accountability for powerful individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, with the UK making high-profile arrests like Prince Andrew while the US largely fails to prosecute its own elites.
The article details a stark transatlantic disparity in accountability for powerful individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein. In the UK, Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to sharing confidential information with Epstein, with an ongoing investigation. Veteran politician Peter Mandelson was also fired and is under criminal investigation for his close ties to Epstein. These actions are seen as a victory, albeit long overdue, attributed to a more functional media and accountability structure in Britain. However, the article notes that this justice is primarily due to the release of Epstein files, not a perfectly functioning system. In stark contrast, the US has shown little progress in holding powerful men linked to Epstein accountable. Figures like US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former Victoria’s Secret boss Les Wexner, and billionaire Leon Black have faced few consequences, with only Ghislaine Maxwell (a British national) facing criminal charges. This lack of action is attributed to the 'explosion of norms' under Trump and Epstein's deep integration with the US establishment, with speculation that Trump himself may be attempting to conceal information due to numerous references in the Epstein files. France has also seen slow progress, with the case against former modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel being re-examined after his death in prison. Lawmakers and victims' relatives, like Virginia Giuffre's brother, have highlighted the UK's greater efforts compared to the US. The article concludes by criticizing the US for becoming a 'new sort of monarchy' where an unelected ruling class is seemingly immune to the law. The article also briefly mentions Bill Gates canceling a speech amid his own Epstein controversy.
