Queen's University Belfast Cuts Ties with George Mitchell

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced it will sever its association with former United States senator George Mitchell, a key figure in Northern Ireland's peace process, due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This decision follows the US-Ireland Alliance's announcement that the George J Mitchell Scholarship Program will no longer carry his name. The developments come after the release of millions of documents related to Epstein, which include additional references to earlier allegations involving Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.

Mitchell's Response and University Statement

On Monday, prior to QUB's announcement, a spokesperson for Mitchell stated that he has never met, spoken to, or had any contact with Giuffre or any underage women.

Queen's University confirmed the decision during the Talkback programme on the same day.

Mitchell's spokesperson expressed his regret, stating:

"[Mitchell] profoundly regrets ever having known Jeffrey Epstein and condemns, without reservation, the horrific harm Epstein inflicted on so many women."

The spokesperson further added that Mitchell did not observe, suspect, or have any knowledge of Epstein engaging in "illegal or inappropriate conduct with underage women."

The university declared it will remove Senator George J Mitchell's name from the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice and take down a commemorative bust of Mitchell from its campus.

In its statement, QUB said:

"While no findings of wrongdoing by Senator Mitchell have been made, the university has concluded that, in light of this material, and mindful of the experiences of victims and survivors, it is no longer appropriate for its institutional spaces and entities to continue to bear his name."

"As a civic institution with a global reputation for leadership in peace, reconciliation, and justice, Queen's University Belfast must ensure that its honours and symbols reflect the highest standards consistent with its values and responsibilities."

The QUB branch of the University and College Union welcomed the university's decision.

Mitchell's Role in Northern Ireland Peace Process

George Mitchell chaired the peace talks that led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which ended three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. He also served as chancellor of Queen's University Belfast from 1999 to 2009.

Details from Released Documents

The recent document releases reveal a continued relationship between Mitchell and Epstein following Epstein's initial conviction. These include emails exchanged between Mitchell and Epstein, as well as memos scheduling appointments.

One email dated 4 November 2013 notes an appointment scheduled for "10:30am Appt w/Senator George Mitchell".

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with numerous high-profile connections and a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Earlier links between Mitchell and Epstein include a handwritten letter from 2003, released in September during a prior document release. In this letter, part of Epstein's "birthday book," Mitchell described his friendship with Epstein as "a blessing." This letter was released by a US congressional panel as part of a copy of the book allegedly given to Epstein to celebrate his 50th birthday.

Allegations and Denials

Mitchell has been accused of having sex with Virginia Giuffre, allegations he denies. It is important to note that being named or pictured in the files does not imply wrongdoing.

On Monday, Mitchell's spokesperson addressed the allegations:

"In the recently released documents, an allegation involving Senator Mitchell by Ms Virginia Giuffre is repeated. It was first made public in 2020 and denied at the time. That allegation is based on a case of mistaken identity."

"In 2021, Ms Giuffre supplied a photograph to OK Magazine, which incorrectly captioned it as depicting Senator Mitchell standing behind Jeffrey Epstein. The individual in the photograph was not Senator Mitchell. The publisher acknowledged the incorrect caption and removed it."

The spokesperson also noted that Mitchell became aware of Epstein's criminal activities only through media reports related to Epstein's prosecution in Florida and declined or deflected the few invitations to events extended by Epstein's office in subsequent years.

George Mitchell's Political Legacy

George Mitchell is a former US Senate majority leader who earned respect across political divides in Northern Ireland for his efforts to advance the peace process. He chaired the Stormont peace talks during the Troubles and facilitated the es...