Kay Burley has sparked widespread outrage after defending Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a 'war hero' during a BBC Newsnight segment, while seated next to Jeffrey Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips. The comment, made during a discussion about victims coming forward, was branded 'disgusting' by viewers.
Context of the Controversy
Phillips, who appeared alongside MP Alex Davies-Jones and presenter Victoria Derbyshire, urged other survivors to contact her via her website. Davies-Jones echoed the call, stating that survivors had already come forward as a result of their speaking out, including victims of Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Ghislaine Maxwell. Derbyshire confirmed these were British victims.
At that moment, Burley interjected: 'And we should accept that he was a war hero. We should just throw that in. He was.' She had earlier remarked on the alleged incident involving Virginia Giuffre, saying only four people know what happened, with one dead, one in prison, one having taken her own life, and the other 'lumbering around Sandringham banging doors'. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations.
Public Reaction
Viewers expressed fury on social media. One tweeted: 'You owe a huge apology Kay Burley. Completely disgusting that you felt the need to say this.' Another said: 'Newsnight with an investigation into Andrew’s Pizza Express story ending with a plea for survivors to come forward. Kay Burley - "We should just accept that he was a war hero" – No, Kay, we really shouldn’t just throw that in.'
A third viewer fumed: 'My jaw dropped open watching Kay Burley on Newsnight add "we should remember he’s a war hero" at the end of a piece about Andrew, with Epstein survivors. Incredible. How about adding "and Savile did a lot for charity"?' Another bluntly stated: 'F*** off Kay, you have zero credibility and showed exactly who you are with the horrific "war hero" comment.'
Impact and Aftermath
The remark has reignited debate over Andrew's public image and the handling of his association with Epstein. Burley, a former Sky News star, has not yet publicly responded to the backlash. The BBC has not commented on the incident.
