Epstein Sought Royal Rebuttal in Newly Released Emails
The US Department of Justice has released a trove of over three million documents relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with newly revealed emails showing he actively sought a public statement from Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, declaring he was "not a pedo". The correspondence, dated after Epstein's 2008 conviction for prostituting minors, indicates a concerted effort to rehabilitate his reputation through royal connections.
Pressure for Public Retraction
Among the documents are exchanges from March 2011 where Epstein asked publicist Mike Sitrick to "draft a statement that in an ideal world Fergie would put out". Epstein specifically wanted Ferguson to state she had been "duped into believing false stories" by Florida attorneys and that she should "out the newspapers on the offering of money for stories".
Sitrick responded with agreement, emphasising the urgency: "The Fergie retraction is critical. One of your good friends, a member of the Royal family, is calling you a pedophile." The publicist suggested escalating tactics if gentle persuasion failed, including sending "a draft defamation lawsuit" to Ferguson.
Royal Connections and Favours
The emails refer to a person named "Sarah" with a redacted email address who discusses her daughters "Beatrice" and "Eugie" - clear references to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. In July 2010, Epstein asked "Sarah" if there was "any chance of your daughters saying hello" to an unnamed person visiting London, to which she responded with details of their whereabouts.
Further correspondence reveals Epstein telling associates in 2009 that "Fergie said she could organise tea in Buckingham Palace apts.. or Windsor Castle", suggesting the former duchess offered access to royal venues. The documents also show Epstein received and sent multiple news articles about Ferguson's divorce from Prince Andrew and her financial situation.
Warm Personal Correspondence
Despite Epstein's conviction, the emails contain surprisingly affectionate messages from "Sarah" to the financier. In August 2009, she thanked him for "being the brother I have always wished for" and said she had "never been more touched by a friends kindness".
An April 2009 email addressed Epstein as "my dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey" and a "legend", adding "I am so proud of you". This contrasts with Ferguson's public disowning of Epstein in media statements, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.
Business Discussions and Brand Building
The correspondence also reveals business discussions, with "Sarah" thanking Epstein in August 2009 for his support following meetings with retailers about her "Sarah Ferguson brand". She reported interest from Target in her "Mothers Army project", Tommy Hilfiger in developing her apparel and fragrance lines, and television networks in a potential Mothers Army TV show.
Broader Royal Implications
The document release comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein. Andrew has faced allegations of sexual assault from Virginia Giuffre, which he strenuously denies, and paid millions to settle a civil claim in 2022. The publication of these emails adds further context to the royal connections within Epstein's circle.
King Charles officially stripped Andrew of his HRH style and prince title following increased scrutiny, which meant Sarah Ferguson reverted to her maiden name. The former duchess has been criticised for maintaining contact with Epstein after his conviction while publicly distancing herself.
Sarah Ferguson has been contacted for comment regarding the newly released correspondence. The documents form part of the ongoing investigation into Epstein's network and continue to reveal the extensive connections he maintained across various social and professional spheres.
