Freshly disclosed correspondence from the United States Department of Justice has unveiled disturbing attempts by the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to manipulate Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, into publicly defending his reputation. The trove of documents, exceeding three million pages and released on Friday, contains email exchanges that lay bare Epstein's campaign to have Ferguson release a formal statement declaring he was "not a pedo."
Epstein's Direct Appeal for a Public Retraction
The emails, which date from after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution, show a concerted effort to manage the narrative around his crimes. In a particularly revealing exchange from March 2011, Epstein contacted prominent publicist Mike Sitrick with a clear directive. He expressed his desire for a statement that, in an ideal scenario, would be issued by Ferguson, referred to in the emails as "Fergie."
Epstein's proposed wording was stark. He wanted Ferguson to say she had been "DUPED into believeing false stories" by attorneys from Florida and that she now understood the allegations were "false hoods, and fabrications." He further suggested she should call out newspapers for offering money for stories about him.
Pressure Tactics and Legal Threats
Mike Sitrick's responses indicate the seriousness with which Epstein's team viewed the matter. Sitrick agreed that Ferguson needed to publicly state she was mistaken and apologise, emphasising that "Jeffrey is not a pedophile." He noted the importance of clarifying that the woman involved in the conviction was nearly eighteen years old.
More alarmingly, Sitrick advised escalating pressure if "gentle persuasion" failed. He explicitly suggested sending Ferguson a draft defamation lawsuit, stating, "this would be a major turning point and be picked up everywhere. This is about your name and your reputation." Sitrick argued that Epstein could not afford to worry about Ferguson's feelings, remarking, "She certainly isn't concerned about your or your reputation."
Epstein appeared receptive but cautious, replying that they "cannot depend on her doing as we would wish" and that "Fergie and Hope is not sufficient," indicating a need for alternative plans. The following day, he formally requested Sitrick to "draft a statement that in an ideal world Fergie would put out," to which the publicist assented, "With pleasure."
Personal Correspondence and Royal Access
The documents also include personal emails with an individual identified only as "Sarah," whose address is redacted. The context strongly suggests this is Sarah Ferguson. In August 2009, "Sarah" sent a gushing thank-you note to Epstein, writing, "Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for" and stating she had "never been more touched by a friends kindness."
This message followed discussions about her "Sarah Ferguson brand" and business ventures with major retailers like Target and Tommy Hilfiger, which she credited to a positive energy shift after a lunch with Epstein.
Other emails reveal Epstein leveraging his connection to Ferguson for social capital. In 2009, he informed associates Glenn and Eva Dubin that "Fergie said she could organize tea in the Buckingham Palace apts.. or Windsor Castle." Furthermore, in July 2010, Epstein asked "Sarah" if there was "any chance of your daughters saying hello" to an unnamed person visiting London. "Sarah" replied that Princess Beatrice was in London with her father, while Princess Eugenie was "away with a cool boyfriend."
Broader Context and Royal Fallout
The release of these documents adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of the British Royal Family's links to Epstein. Sarah Ferguson's husband at the time, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has faced severe allegations himself. He has strenuously denied accusations of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre, a teenager allegedly trafficked by Epstein. Andrew settled a civil claim with Giuffre in 2022 for a reported multi-million sum, though he maintains he never met her.
The fallout from the Epstein scandal and Andrew's association with him has been profound. Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview. The subsequent publication of Giuffre's memoir and the US government's document releases intensified pressure, leading King Charles III to formally strip Andrew of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022. He was also removed from the official royal website and ceased using the style His Royal Highness in an official capacity.
Sarah Ferguson herself has faced criticism for her continued contact with Epstein after his conviction, including writing to him and calling him a "supreme friend," despite publicly distancing herself in the media. The newly revealed emails, showing Epstein's direct pressure for a exonerating statement, will likely prompt further questions about the nature and extent of their relationship during this period. A representative for the Duchess of York has been approached for comment regarding these latest disclosures.
