US Congress Intensifies Pressure on Sarah Ferguson to Testify in Epstein Probe
Pressure is mounting significantly on Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, to appear before the United States congressional committee that is investigating the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who sits on the powerful House Oversight Committee probing Epstein's extensive child sex trafficking network, has publicly called for her testimony.
Lawmakers Cite Close Relationship and Financial Ties
In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Congressman Subramanyam stated unequivocally: 'It is clear from the files we have that Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein had a close relationship. She once called Epstein the "brother I always wished for" and Epstein provided her with financial assistance.' He emphasised that Ferguson should disclose to the committee everything she knows about Epstein's financial operations and his 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,' Subramanyam asserted.
The Mail on Sunday understands that a formal request for Ferguson to appear may be sent imminently, although legally she cannot be compelled to testify as she is a British citizen. This development follows the committee's previous interrogations of high-profile figures including former President Bill Clinton and convicted madam Ghislaine Maxwell.
Survivors' Lawyer and Released Emails Add to Scrutiny
Adding to the pressure, prominent lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents several survivors of Epstein's abuse, told the Mail on Sunday: 'Sarah Ferguson appeared to have a close relationship with Epstein. 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.' Allred noted that Ferguson reportedly brought her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to visit Epstein at his home and communicated with him via email, asking for money and advice.
'She could provide valuable information to Congress,' Allred argued. '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.'
Emails released as part of the three-million document 'Epstein Files' reveal that Ferguson repeatedly begged Epstein for cash and visited him in Florida with her daughters. In one email, she told him: 'I am at your service. Just marry me,' while in another she made a crude reference to then 19-year-old Princess Eugenie being on a 'sh***ing' weekend.
Legal Advice and Family Opposition
Despite the mounting calls, media lawyer Jonathan Coad, who previously represented Ferguson, told the BBC there is 'no chance' she will testify. Coad explained: 'Of course she won't and if she were still my client my very strong advice to her would be not to go. It 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 accused Ferguson's former husband, Prince Andrew, of sexual abuse—allegations he vehemently denies—has also demanded she testify. A spokesperson for Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, stated: 'If Ferguson knows anything she should testify in the United States immediately.'
Ferguson has not been seen publicly for months, with unconfirmed reports placing her at a Swiss spa, a villa in the United Arab Emirates, and a retreat in Ireland. This absence coincides with increasing scrutiny from US lawmakers, who have repeatedly called for Prince Andrew to answer questions about his own links to Epstein, and now extend that demand to his former wife.
