Epstein and Mandelson Discussed Sarah Ferguson's 'Desperate' Situation in Emails
Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein suggested Sarah Ferguson should 'admit her medication abuse and go into rehab' following her involvement in a cash-for-access sting operation. The correspondence, involving Epstein and former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, sheds light on private discussions about the former Duchess of York's circumstances after a humiliating newspaper exposé in 2010.
The Undercover Sting and Financial Demands
Undercover journalist Mazher Mahmood, posing as a wealthy international businessman, arranged to pay Sarah Ferguson for access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, who was then serving as a UK trade envoy. During a secretly filmed meeting at a Mayfair apartment, Ferguson demanded £500,000 to be wired to her HSBC bank account, promising the reporter, 'That opens up everything you would ever wish for.' She added, 'I can open any door you want, and I will for you. Look after me and he'll look after you … you'll get it back tenfold.'
In a later encounter, Ferguson was seen bursting into tears as Mahmood handed her a suitcase containing £40,000 in cash as a down payment. The story was published in the News of the World, prompting Epstein to email Mandelson at 6:30 am on the morning of publication, asking if he had seen it. Mandelson replied, 'Have you watched the video? If Andrew was elected he would have to resign. She's so desperate I feel sorry for her. But she will not recover from this.'
Rehab Suggestion and Family Concerns
In response to Epstein's suggestion that Ferguson enter rehab, Mandelson acknowledged it as 'an option' but expressed concern, stating it would be 'awful for her and the girls,' referring to her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, who were 22 and 20 years old at the time. Epstein also noted in the emails that he had spoken to Prince Andrew the day before, mentioning that Andrew was 'with friends of mine in a restaurant in Singapore.'
It is important to note that there is no evidence to support claims of medication addiction or that Sarah Ferguson ever attended a rehabilitation unit. Following the sting, Ferguson immediately apologised for a 'serious lapse in judgment,' attributing her actions to spiralling debts and an addiction to food. She later told Oprah Winfrey, 'I was so out of control with desperation to the point where I'd reached no return. Sort of out of my mind.' Ferguson described her behaviour as 'spiralling so out of control [that] I was looking for the quick fixes in places I wouldn't normally look,' comparing it to addiction struggles.
Business Ventures and Epstein's Involvement
Separate emails released by the US Department of Justice indicate that Sarah Ferguson attempted to launch various business ventures with advice and backing from Jeffrey Epstein. In a 2009 email, she enthusiastically updated Epstein on plans for 'Sarah Ferguson' branded clothing and fragrances in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, along with TV shows and books. She wrote, 'In just one week, after your lunch, it seems the energy has lifted. I have never been more touched by a friends [sic] kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls. Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for.'
The following year, in another email, Ferguson expressed gratitude, stating, 'You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. I am at your service. Just marry me.' These communications highlight the extent of their relationship and Epstein's influence on her professional endeavours during that period.
Prince Andrew has denied any knowledge of the deal his ex-wife made with the undercover reporter. Sarah Ferguson was contacted for comment regarding the newly released emails, but no further statements have been provided at this time.
