Full Breakdown
CBS News Hires Sir Trevor Phillips Amid Epstein-Linked Controversy
6/12/2026, 8:50:18 PM
Appointment of Sir Trevor Phillips
In 2025, CBS News announced that Sir Trevor Phillips, former Sky News host, would become Senior Global Affairs Correspondent. The hire, reported by insiders, follows a series of high-profile appointments by Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.
Weiss’s Hiring Controversies
Weiss’s tenure has already sparked controversy. In January she hired Peter Attia, a commentator whose ties to Epstein appeared in the DOJ’s “Epstein files,” leading to his resignation within weeks. She also placed Nick Bilton as a tech journalist on 60 Minutes, prompting staff backlash.
Principal Individuals
- Bari Weiss – CBS News Editor-in-Chief.
- Sir Trevor Phillips – Senior Global Affairs Correspondent, ex-Sky News host.
- Peter Mandelson – Former British Ambassador to the U.S., Phillips’s friend.
- Peter Attia – Ex-CBS contributor who quit after Epstein-file links.
- Scott Pelley – CBS correspondent who criticized recent hires.
Relevant Numbers
Three of Weiss’s hires—Phillips, Attia, and Bilton’s placement—have drawn Epstein-related scrutiny. The DOJ’s Epstein files cite roughly 2,000 references to Attia. Phillips’s Labour Party suspension in 2020, lifted in 2021, stemmed from Islamophobia allegations.
CBS and Phillips Statements
CBS declined comment on Phillips’s appointment. Phillips defended his friendship with Mandelson, stating he would not abandon a friend despite the DOJ file release and arguing that personal ties do not negate the positive qualities he observed in Mandelson.
Critics’ Concerns
Analysts say Phillips’s defense of Mandelson downplays the seriousness of Mandelson’s alleged Epstein links. Critics also point to Phillips’s suspension over Islamophobia-related remarks about Pakistani Muslims and poppy-wearing, arguing the hire harms CBS’s credibility.
Unresolved Issues
The Metropolitan Police probe of alleged emails between Mandelson and Epstein is ongoing, with no charges announced. CBS’s silence leaves uncertainty about internal vetting for the Phillips hire, and no independent verification of Phillips’s knowledge of Mandelson’s alleged misconduct exists.
Direct Statements
- “If you choose somebody to be your friend, you are taking all of their weaknesses. Those of us who were and are Peter’s friend, know about his weaknesses.” — Sir Trevor Phillips, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent, CBS News
- “I am not going to pretend that all of the good things I saw in Peter Mandelson for five decades have suddenly become nugatory.” — Sir Trevor Phillips
- “You’ll forgive me if I don’t go into this in too much detail, but for those of us who have been close to Peter Mandelson for a long time, there is no secret about his attraction to a certain kind of life—lifestyle, his predilection for a certain sort of social circle.” — Sir Trevor Phillips
- “never be welcome.” — Scott Pelley, CBS correspondent (as reported)
Future Developments
The Metropolitan Police probe of Mandelson’s communications with Epstein is expected to continue through 2025. CBS may launch an internal review of hiring practices, and Phillips’s reporting will be closely watched.
