Sarah Ferguson Sought Epstein's Advice on Debt and Employment
Newly released emails suggest Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, contacted convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein for guidance on her bankruptcy issues while he was incarcerated and later pleaded with him for employment after his release. The communications, part of a document tranche disclosed by the Department of Justice, indicate Ferguson reached out to Epstein regarding her financial troubles, which she described as profoundly demoralising.
Desperate Financial Strains Revealed in Correspondence
In the emails, Ferguson appeared to express extreme distress over her debt situation, stating that death seemed easier and she was on the verge of exhaustion. She detailed her debt pile, which she claimed amounted to approximately £6 million, highlighting her urgent need for assistance. A year following these exchanges, she seemingly begged Epstein for a job, explicitly stating she desperately needed the money to alleviate her financial woes.
Epstein, who served a 13-month prison sentence in 2008 after being convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor, received these communications during and after his incarceration. In one email dated July 2009, near the end of his sentence, Ferguson consulted him about an offer from British billionaire John Caudwell, founder of Phones4You. She informed Epstein that Caudwell proposed giving her £10 million in exchange for 50% of her net profits for life, seeking his advice on the matter.
Epstein's response advised her to obtain the offer in writing. A spokesperson for Caudwell later clarified that he and Ferguson were long-time acquaintances through charity work, and he was unaware she had consulted Epstein. The spokesperson added that Caudwell decided not to proceed with the transaction at that time and had no association with Epstein.
Persistent Job Requests and Personal Appeals
In a subsequent email dated May 16, 2010, Ferguson appeared to ask Epstein for employment, suggesting she could serve as his house assistant and emphasising her capability and desperate financial need. She also mentioned that Andrew, likely referring to Prince Andrew, had met with David Stern, a London-based German businessman with whom Epstein frequently corresponded, and had an update for him.
Epstein replied that he wanted Andrew to meet the head of JP Morgan and, when pressed about employing Ferguson, stated they should discuss it in person. Later emails from September 2010 show Ferguson, referred to as Ferg, inquiring about when Epstein would employ her. He responded that they could talk about it during his planned visit to London in two to three weeks.
Ferguson's reply expressed steadfast friendship, asserting her loyalty even beyond life. It is important to note that mention in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing. At the time of these emails, Ferguson was divorced from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor but retained her title as Duchess of York. Her lucrative contract with WeightWatchers had recently ended, and the correspondence reveals her frantic search for funds to manage her debts.
