Sarah Ferguson Closes Six Businesses in Three Days Amid Epstein Scandal
Embattled former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson has shuttered six of her businesses within just three days as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues to generate intense public and media scrutiny. The 66-year-old royal has faced mounting pressure over her longstanding friendship with the convicted paedophile, leading to a rapid dissolution of several companies registered in her name.
Business Closures and Financial Details
According to Companies House filings obtained by The Mirror, winding-up orders for Planet Partners Productions Ltd began on Monday, while Fergie's Farm Ltd, established in 2014, was closed with merely £1 remaining in its accounts. Additional businesses that have ceased operations include Solamoon Ltd, La Luna Investments Ltd, and Philanthrepreneur Ltd. Her public relations firm, S. Phoenix Events Ltd, was officially closed on Friday.
Royal commentator Margaret Holder described the situation as "a bonfire of Fergie's vanities" in reports to The Sun. Meanwhile, Ferguson's jewellery brand, Ginger and Moss Ltd, continues to trade but is reportedly £321,419 in debt as of January, highlighting significant financial strain.
Epstein Connection and Revealed Communications
The business closures follow the release of documents from the US Department of Justice, known as the Epstein Files, which exposed ongoing communications between Ferguson and Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for child sex offences. Among millions of pages, emails reveal Ferguson's desperate pleas for financial assistance from the late billionaire.
In one email dated May 2010, Ferguson wrote to Epstein, "I am the most capable and desperately need the money. Please Jeffrey think about it." She even suggested working as his "House Assistant" to alleviate her financial woes. Later that year, she reiterated her loyalty, stating, "My friendship is steadfast to the end, even after the body is cold. Love you now and always. And I know you do too."
Historical Context and Allegations
Ferguson launched these businesses years before her connection to Epstein became widely known. The released documents indicate that their friendship persisted despite Epstein's criminal activities, including his admission to procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, for which he served an 18-month jail sentence.
Further allegations suggest that Ferguson visited Epstein's home while he was under house arrest, accompanied by her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who were then 20 and 19 years old respectively. In a January 2010 message, Ferguson appeared to lavish praise on Epstein, writing, "You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
The rapid business closures underscore the severe repercussions Ferguson faces as the Epstein scandal unfolds, with financial instability and public scrutiny converging to impact her entrepreneurial ventures significantly.
