Starmer Apologizes as Bonobo Tea Party Distracts from Epstein Files

Starmer Apologizes for Mandelson Appointment Amidst Epstein Ties, Bonobo Study Offers Respite

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized Thursday to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington, following the release of new documents detailing Mandelson's connections to the disgraced financier. The apology came amidst growing scrutiny of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, with allegations surfacing that Mandelson had downplayed the extent of their acquaintance.

Starmer stated that Mandelson had "portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew," according to Euronews. The Prime Minister dismissed Mandelson after emails surfaced revealing their continued friendship following Epstein's 2008 conviction. British police are now investigating Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office, according to multiple news sources. The newly released documents pointed to a closer relationship than Mandelson had previously disclosed, Euronews reported.

Meanwhile, in a seemingly unrelated development, a study published in the journal Science revealed that a bonobo named Kanzi demonstrated the ability to engage in make-believe play, specifically pretending to have a tea party. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University presented evidence that Kanzi was able to participate in pretending to hold a tea party. Christopher Krupenye, co-author of the study, stated that this suggests that apes are capable of using their imagination just like human toddlers, Ars Technica reported. Amalia Bastos, a comparative psychologist at the University of St Andrews University, UK, who co-authored the study with cognitive scientist Christopher Krupenye at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, said that it tells us that maybe the mental lives of animals go beyond the here and now.

The study adds to evidence that some animals, including humans closest relatives, can conceive of objects, events and individuals that arent in the here and now, according to Nature News.

The timing of these events coincided with actress Jamie Lee Curtis speaking out against ICE, suggesting it was being used as a "distraction so that we don’t pay attention to the Epstein Files," Variety reported.