Sky News faces online backlash over Epstein disclaimer tweet

• Sky News faced intense social media criticism for tweeting that "being mentioned in the Epstein files is not a sign of wrongdoing," a statement many users viewed as a "media cover-up" or a preemptive defense of the high-profile figures named in the 3-million-page document release.
• The tweet followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call for a "victim-centered" approach and his demand that individuals like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor testify before the US Congress regarding their links to the convicted sex offender.

In a move that sparked anger on social media, Sky News posted a succinct message on X (formerly Twitter) following their report on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's response to the latest Epstein files release.

The tweet, part of a thread, stated simply: "Being mentioned in the Epstein files is not a sign of wrongdoing."

Being mentioned in the Epstein files is not a sign of wrongdoing

— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 31, 2026

This disclaimer, while echoing standard journalistic caveats seen in coverage of the documents, has been interpreted by many users as an attempt to downplay the gravity of the revelations, prompting accusations of a media cover-up.

Context of the Tweet and the Epstein Files Release

The controversial post came immediately after Sky News shared a breaking news update highlighting Starmer's comments on the massive document dump by the US Justice Department.

The initial tweet featured a video clip from their broadcast, where Starmer emphasized that "the convicted sex offender's victims should be the priority."

In the accompanying report, Sky News detailed Starmer's call for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) to testify before US Congress, stressing a "victim-centred" approach.

The files, comprising over three million pages, include emails and images that have renewed scrutiny on high-profile figures.

Key revelations include:

• Emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, along with undated images appearing to show Andrew in a compromising position, though no wrongdoing is suggested.
• Photographs of Labour peer Lord Peter Mandelson in his underwear, speaking to a woman in a bathrobe; Mandelson's spokesperson denied any Epstein connection, and appearance in the files does not imply misconduct.
• Correspondence involving Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), where Epstein pressured her to publicly defend him after she called their association a "gigantic error of judgment."
• Emails between Epstein and Elon Musk, including references to a helicopter ride to Epstein's island and queries about parties; Musk publicly noted that mentions do not indicate wrongdoing.
• A 2013 email from Richard Branson welcoming Epstein with a jest about bringing his "harem"; Branson's team clarified limited, business-only contact predating allegations.
• Starmer, speaking en route from China to Japan, reiterated that anyone with information should share it, but deferred on whether Andrew owes an apology, calling it "a matter for Andrew."

The prime minister's stance has been echoed across UK media, with calls for accountability focusing on Andrew and other named individuals.

Notably, US President Donald Trump responded to the files by claiming they confound the "radical left."

The tweet quickly amassed over 18 million views, 6,400 quotes, and nearly 2,000 likes, but the responses have been overwhelmingly negative, with users accusing Sky News of enabling or covering for powerful figures implicated in the scandal, with many viewing the statement as a preemptive defense.