Paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein was set to own a majority stake in Sarah Ferguson’s women’s empowerment brand after his conviction for child sex offences, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice.
Work on launching the company, Mother’s Army, began in 2009. Ferguson wanted to “amplify the voices of mothers all over the world” and tackle “tougher issues facing young people and families”. An email from an associate of Epstein reveals his involvement in the plans.
The business plan, sent after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14, outlined revenue from book deals, children’s TV programmes and speaking fees. Ferguson would have received a $250,000 salary. Emails showed Epstein would hold 51 per cent of equity, making him majority owner.
A second email suggested Epstein hoped to profit via an investment vehicle called JEDS. Although it is unclear if Ferguson agreed to give Epstein equity, the arrangement remained part of the business plans. In an email two months later, she called Epstein “the brother I have always wished for”.
In February 2010, Ferguson asked Epstein to have his lawyers trademark Mother’s Army. Epstein responded that they were preparing training manuals and strategic goals. By August 2011, a reputation management firm asked Epstein’s lawyer for the return of domain names, indicating Ferguson wanted to distance herself.
By September 2011, emails suggest Epstein was no longer involved. An email asked if he wanted to keep promotional materials or “throw away”.
