Epstein's Planned Majority Ownership of Ferguson's Charity Revealed in Emails
Newly disclosed documents from the US Department of Justice have exposed that convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein was slated to acquire a controlling stake in Sarah Ferguson's women's empowerment charity, Mother's Army, after his 2008 conviction for child sex offences. The revelations come from email correspondence released as part of ongoing investigations into Epstein's network.
Business Plans Developed Post-Conviction
Work on launching Mother's Army commenced in 2009, with the Duchess of York aiming to "amplify the voices of mothers all over the world" and address "tougher issues facing young people and families." However, a 2009 email from an Epstein associate detailed his involvement in the venture's business strategy. The plan, formulated after Epstein's conviction, projected revenue streams from book deals, children's television programming, and speaking engagements. It also indicated Ferguson would receive an annual salary of $250,000.
Critically, the emails outlined that Epstein would hold 51 per cent of the equity in Mother's Army, granting him majority ownership and effective control of the charity brand had the plans proceeded. This arrangement positioned the convicted sex offender as the dominant financial force behind a charitable initiative focused on family and youth empowerment.
Epstein's Financial Ambitions and Ferguson's Relationship
A subsequent email from an associate elaborated on Epstein's profit motives. Under the heading "Mothers Army," it noted, "Good concept if all her activities are consolidated into MA. Needs clearer build up and focus to generate scale," adding, "Potential to leverage her network for MA growth but also other JEDS deals." The reference to JEDS suggests it was intended as an investment vehicle for Epstein to fund Mother's Army alongside other ventures.
The personal dynamics were further illuminated in an email where Sarah Ferguson referred to Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for." Correspondence indicates his involvement persisted until at least 2010. In February 2010, Ferguson requested Epstein's assistance, asking him to have his "lovely lawyers" trademark the Mother's Army name ahead of a keynote speech on female empowerment. Epstein responded, assuring her that "we are in the process of putting together training manuals, approvals. And strategic short-term and long-term goals along with the tactics needed to see them through."
Later Negotiations and Project Dissolution
By August 2011, an email from a reputation management firm to Epstein's lawyer revealed Ferguson's desire to reclaim the Mother's Army domain names, which Epstein had purchased for her. The email stated, "Can we have a conversation at some point as whilst I understand the Duchess has concerns on 'control' in terms of her signing a letter she is and has always been happy to help Epstein if she can. On a separate point she is also keen to secure the rights back to the Mother's Army Domain names which brought for her and it seems we need to conclude the first matter before we can discuss the second."
This communication appears linked to a request for Ferguson to sign a letter supporting Epstein, who was facing escalating public scrutiny at the time. By the end of September 2011, emails suggest Epstein had exited the project. A final email included a picture of materials produced for the charity, asking Epstein whether he wished to retain them or "throw away." The Independent has approached Sarah Ferguson for comment regarding these disclosures.
