Sarah Ferguson Faces Growing Pressure to Testify Before US Congress Over Epstein Ties
Pressure is intensifying on Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, to appear before a US congressional committee that is meticulously investigating the vast child sex trafficking network orchestrated by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Members of the House Oversight Committee, tasked with unearthing the full scope of Epstein’s illicit activities, have publicly stated that evidence suggests a significant connection between Ferguson and the convicted sex offender.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the committee, highlighted the nature of this relationship in comments to the Mail on Sunday. He indicated that documents reviewed by the committee reveal a close bond between Ferguson and Epstein, noting that the Duchess had previously referred to Epstein as “the brother I always wished for.” Furthermore, it has been reported that Epstein provided Ferguson with financial assistance.
“It is clear from the files we have that Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein had a close relationship,” Congressman Subramanyam stated. “She once called Epstein the ‘brother I always wished for’ and Epstein provided her with financial assistance. She should tell our committee what she knows about Epstein’s financial and sex trafficking enterprises. If she has nothing to hide then this shouldn’t be a problem. No one, not even former royalty, is above the law.”
While the committee possesses the ability to issue a formal request for Ferguson to testify, it is understood that she cannot be legally compelled to do so. Ferguson has not been seen in public for several months, leading to speculation about her whereabouts. This situation echoes previous high-profile appearances before the committee, which has already heard testimony from former President Bill Clinton and convicted madam Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein.
Gloria Allred, a prominent lawyer representing several survivors of Epstein’s abuse, has also weighed in on the matter. She emphasised the apparent closeness of Ferguson’s relationship with Epstein, pointing to a visit Ferguson reportedly made to Epstein’s Florida office while he was serving a sentence for soliciting an act of prostitution with a minor. During this period, Epstein was permitted to work at his office during the day while serving his sentence at the jail at night.
- Allred highlighted several key points regarding Ferguson’s alleged connection to Epstein:
- Ferguson is reported to have visited Epstein at his Florida office during his incarceration.
- She is also said to have brought her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to visit him at his home.
- Communication between Ferguson and Epstein via email has been documented.
- Ferguson reportedly sought financial assistance and advice from Epstein.
“Sarah Ferguson appeared to have a close relationship with Epstein,” Allred told the Mail on Sunday. “She visited him at his office in Florida while he was serving his sentence after he was convicted of soliciting an act of prostitution with a minor. (He was allowed to sleep in the jail at night, and go to his office to work during the day.) Reportedly she even brought her daughters to visit him in his home. She communicated with him by email. She asked him for money and advice.”
Allred further asserted that Ferguson’s testimony could provide crucial insights for the congressional investigation. “She could provide valuable information to Congress,” she stated. “The survivors have indicated they are seeking truth, transparency and justice. Sarah could help Congress and the survivors learn the truth. She has indicated in the past that she cared about children in crisis and she created a charity to help them. Many survivors of Epstein were children in crisis. She can help them and her own reputation by testifying under oath.”
The ongoing scrutiny of Ferguson’s relationship with Epstein has been fuelled by the release of millions of documents, often referred to as the ‘Epstein Files.’ These documents reportedly contain emails that paint a picture of Ferguson repeatedly seeking financial support from Epstein. Some of these exchanges allegedly reveal intimate details, including one email where Ferguson expressed her devotion to Epstein with the words: “I am at your service. Just marry me.” Another email reportedly contained a crude reference to then 19-year-old Princess Eugenie regarding a “sh***ing” weekend.
However, legal perspectives suggest Ferguson is unlikely to comply with any requests to testify. Jonathan Coad, a media lawyer who has previously represented the Duchess, told the BBC that there was “no chance” she would appear before the committee.
- Coad’s advice to Ferguson was unequivocal:
- “Of course she won’t and if she were still my client my very strong advice to her would be not to go.”
- He cautioned that testifying “would be a disaster for her, for her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie and also for Andrew, as it would show him up for not going.”
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who has accused Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, of sexual abuse – allegations he vehemently denies – has also called for Ferguson to testify. A spokesperson for Ms. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, stated, “If Ferguson knows anything she should testify in the United States immediately.”
The former Duchess of York’s prolonged absence from public view has fuelled widespread speculation. Unconfirmed reports have placed her at various exclusive locations, including a Swiss spa, a villa in the United Arab Emirates, and a retreat in Ireland, as the international focus sharpens on her past dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
