Epstein Associate Claims Andrew Had 'Consensual Sex'
A close associate of the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein claimed that the former Duke of York had 'consensual sex' with one of Epstein's employees, according to private emails released by US lawmakers. The correspondence, part of a new tranche of files, shows journalist Landon Thomas Jr urging Epstein in 2015 to publicly address the growing scandal surrounding the then Prince.
The 2015 Email Exchange
In an email sent on January 16, 2015, under the heading 'How are you holding up?', Thomas Jr advised Epstein that his reputation had 'taken a hit' and that the primary issue was his association with Prince Andrew. The journalist wrote, 'I think the big issue is separating yourself from Andrew... Until you are able to come forward and address that the story lives on.'
He added the crucial line: 'I mean in the end he had consensual sex with (redacted) And (redacted) worked for you.' It remains unclear if Thomas Jr was referring to Virginia Giuffre, who has publicly accused Andrew of having sex with her on three occasions when she was 17.
Epstein's Admission on Photograph
Further emails from 2011 revealed that Epstein confirmed the authenticity of the infamous photograph of Andrew with a teenage Giuffre. When asked about the picture, the financier admitted, '..yes she had her photo taken with Andrew, as many of my employees have'. This photograph was originally uncovered by the Mail on Sunday that same year.
Thomas Jr has since insisted that Epstein never personally told him Giuffre had sex with Andrew, and that he was merely repeating accusations he had read in the press.
Mounting Pressure and Congressional Deadline
The email revelations come as Prince Andrew faces a critical deadline. On November 6, the US House Oversight Committee sent a letter, signed by 16 members of Congress, requesting the former prince sit for a 'transcribed interview' concerning his 'long-standing friendship' with Epstein.
The committee demanded a response by November 20. Andrew, who has been stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations, has consistently and vehemently denied Virginia Giuffre's allegations.
