Sarah Ferguson's $2 Million US Book Deal Bid Rejected Over Epstein Links
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has faced a significant setback in her efforts to publish a tell-all memoir in the United States. According to Hollywood sources, the 66-year-old pitched the idea to major US publishing houses, seeking a deal valued at approximately $2 million, equivalent to £1.5 million. However, all publishers have rejected her proposal, with insiders suggesting that no one wants to be seen as enabling her to profit from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Rejections and Reluctance
Sources close to the situation revealed that Ferguson received a string of rejections, with some publishers offering no response at all. One Hollywood insider told The Sunday Express, 'It seems no one is remotely interested in being seen to be enabling her to cash in on the Epstein scandal that has torn her family apart and ruined her ex-husband.' This marks a stark contrast to her previous success in the US, where she worked as a correspondent for NBC's Today show and served as the face of Weight Watchers in advertising campaigns.
Epstein Connections and Financial Support
The rejection comes amid increasing scrutiny of Ferguson's links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Released documents indicate that Epstein financially supported Ferguson for over 15 years. In a 2009 email, she reportedly requested £20,000 for rent, stating, 'I urgently need 20,000 pounds for rent today. The landlord has threatened to go to the newspapers if I don't pay. Any brainwaves?' Additionally, emails from the same year suggest she enthusiastically updated Epstein on potential book deals and brand opportunities.
In a particularly controversial message, Ferguson allegedly told Epstein, 'Just marry me,' following a series of compliments, despite his conviction for soliciting sex from a minor the previous year. The emails also imply she involved her family, mentioning her daughter Eugenie's activities and introducing her goddaughter to Epstein after his release from prison.
Publishing History and Current Pariah Status
Ferguson has a notable history in publishing, including works as a children's book author, with her 2024 release Flora and Fern, and a 2023 romance novel titled A Most Intriguing Lady. However, her recent attempts to secure a US book deal have been met with commercial resistance. A source commented, 'Any notion she might have had about keeping her American dream alive now seems to have been killed off completely. Commercially, as the failed book deal shows, she has become a pariah.'
Expert Opinions and Public Perception
Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, echoed this sentiment, stating that Ferguson 'will find it very hard to come back' after her prolonged absence from public view. Fellow royal author Robert Jobson previously described her as 'desperate for money' following her exposure to the royal lifestyle. The Daily Mail has reached out to LA-based celebrity talent agency Artists First, which continues to represent Ferguson in the US, for comment, but no response has been provided at this time.
This development highlights the ongoing impact of the Epstein scandal on those associated with it, with Ferguson's attempts to share her side of the story facing significant hurdles in the competitive US publishing market.
