Newscast: "New Pictures Appear to Show Andrew in Epstein Files"

Date: January 31, 2026
Hosts: Laura Kuenssberg, Paddy O’Connell
Guest: Gary O’Donoghue (Washington Correspondent)

Episode Overview

This episode of BBC Newscast tackles the fallout from a massive document dump related to Jeffrey Epstein—the “Epstein files”—encompassing three million pages and 180,000 images released the prior evening. The team dissects the early revelations with a focus on new images allegedly showing Prince Andrew, the far-reaching social and political ramifications, and the public's continued search for answers amid yet more questions. Other topics include the intricacies of UK political by-elections and a brief look ahead to escalating tensions around Iran.

Main Discussion: The Epstein Files Dump

Segment Start: 04:00

Key Points & Insights

• Vastness and Nature of the File Release

  • The files contain an overwhelming trove of material: emails, documents, and images.
  • Journalists worldwide are still combing through the data; public knowledge is evolving in real time.
  • "Three million pages of documents and 180,000 images… we do not yet have a complete picture of what the most important nuggets are." — Laura Kuenssberg [04:00]

• Images of Prince Andrew

  • A newly surfaced image shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew) "on all fours over a woman lying on the floor."
  • The panel stresses the difference between reputational damage and proven wrongdoing.
  • "There will be many women around the world who see that image and feel quite upset... I think this image is one that will go around the world" — Laura Kuenssberg [04:38]

• Public Perception vs. Legal Evidence

  • The documents shed more light on the perception of Andrew and others in Epstein’s circle rather than offering legal proof of misconduct.
  • Andrew has “already been sort of edged out of public life,” but these images add “to that image where he has his arm around Virginia Giuffre,” amplifying past controversies. [05:15–06:09]

• The Web of Connections

  • Notable exchanges and correspondence reveal the sway Epstein held:
    • Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York) thanked Epstein for "praising her in front of her daughters."
    • Lord Mandelson’s partner, Reynaldo da Silva, received payment from Epstein for osteopathy studies after Epstein’s conviction. [06:09–07:21]
  • Raises questions about "the grip this man had... that people seemed to want his attention, his affection, his praise." — Paddy O’Connell [06:33]

• FBI Tip Lines and the Credibility Challenge

  • The files include unsubstantiated claims via the FBI "crime stoppers" tip line, notably involving Donald Trump.
  • The US Deputy Attorney General admitted mistakes might have occurred in redaction, urging victims to report possible breaches.
  • “There’s this FBI tip line... literally the number is 1-800-CALL-FBI. That’s the phone number.” — Gary O’Donoghue [09:34]
  • “Some of [the tips] are horrid, I mean really horrible. But there’s absolutely no evidence for them whatsoever.” — Gary O’Donoghue [10:53]

• Political Fallout and Media Fatigue

  • The files reinforce connections with well-known figures but reveal less about actionable wrongdoing.
  • Some Democrats allege further unreleased material remains hidden and push for full transparency.
  • “There are a couple of million documents that they haven’t released... Some of it is child pornography, some of it is medical records, and some… images of death.” — Gary O’Donoghue [12:48]
  • There’s media “weariness” and a growing sense that, despite new revelations, many questions remain unanswered. [13:17]

• The Victims’ Experience

  • Concerns about re-victimization as some victims’ names were poorly redacted, causing distress.
  • “The victims feel that it’s revictimizing them. So it’s not helping them, the general public feel it doesn’t answer the question, is there more?” — Paddy O’Connell [14:13]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Files' Overwhelming Size

  "It's like wading through syrup... there's no roadmap to exploring this stuff."
  — Gary O’Donoghue [08:44]

• The Role of Money and Influence

  "Money attracts people. I think that is the bald truth of all this. Or it's certainly part or a large part of the bald truth about this."
  — Gary O’Donoghue [22:04]

• On Mandelson's Connections

  "What on earth are you doing, getting connected with a businessman who's had a conviction? ...It just seems extraordinary."
  — Gary O’Donoghue [20:38]

• Peter Mandelson’s Defense

  "I never saw anything... that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing in preying on these young women. Do you really think that if I knew what was going on...that I'd have just sat back, ignored it and moved on?"
  — Lord Peter Mandelson [17:21]

• Enduring Questions and Media Weariness

  "In many ways it seems to have been a process which has raised as many questions by release as it has answered."
  — Paddy O’Connell [14:31]

Secondary Segment: UK By-election Talk

Segment Start: 23:36

Highlights

• Gorton & Denton By-election
  • Candidates from Labour (Angelique Stolia), Greens (Hannah Spencer, aka "Hannah the Plumber"), and Lib Dems (Jackie Piercing) are introduced.
  • Greens and Reform UK seen as key insurgent players; Labour maintains confidence.
  • “It is going to be a really fascinating race... a short one. Four weeks, that’s all.”
    — Laura Kuenssberg [24:30]
  • Comic relief: Monster Raving Loony Party selection of “Sir Oinkelot” as their candidate. [25:20]

Brief Update: International Tension over Iran

Segment Start: 26:19

• The hosts preview overnight updates expected regarding developments around Iran, referencing heightened tensions and expert analysis scheduled for the next episode.

Structure and Flow

• The episode opens with light banter and a diplomatic gifts quiz, offering a tonal contrast to the heavy coverage of the Epstein files.
• Main coverage is dense but interspersed with context, expert analysis, and ongoing questions.
• The tone is analytical, at times incredulous, and conveys both the gravity and fatigue surrounding the Epstein saga.
• The transition to UK politics and international updates provides listeners with topical variety and a sense of continuity with other current events.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files Main Discussion: 04:00–22:55
  • New Andrew photos & reputational fallout: 04:12–06:09
  • High-profile connections (Sarah Ferguson, Mandelson): 06:09–07:21
  • FBI tip line & U.S. legal perspectives: 09:11–13:36
  • Mandelson’s response clip: 17:21–18:13
• Gorton & Denton By-election Coverage: 23:36–26:17
• Looking Ahead to Iran Developments: 26:17–27:13

Recap & Takeaways

• The newly released Epstein files reinforce uncomfortable truths about the circles of power and wealth, as well as lingering doubts about the full story and accountability.
• Reputational damage, not criminal liability, is the main thrust for many named.
• Public and media fatigue is setting in, even as more questions are raised and victims endure renewed exposure.
• The episode also nods to ongoing UK political shifts and the global news landscape, reaffirming Newscast’s round-the-clock approach.

For further details, listeners are encouraged to follow subsequent episodes as the file investigations — and political stories — continue to unfold.