The Duchess of York sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein in 2011, weeks after she told reporters she would “never have anything to do with” the sex offender again, according to reports
Fergie apologised to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein for disowning him and referred to him as a “supreme friend” because he threatened to sue her, according to her spokesperson. The former wife of Prince Andrew’s email to Epstein, dated 26 April 2011, was sent just weeks after she told journalists that she would “never have anything to do with” the sex offender again, reports suggest.
The Sun newspaper reported on the message in which the duchess “humbly apologised” to Epstein for associating him with paedophilia in the press, describing him as “steadfast” and “generous”. Her spokesperson explained that it was sent “in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats”.
In an interview with the Evening Standard on 7 March 2011, the duchess apologised for accepting £15,000 from Epstein, reports the Mirror.
She told the newspaper: “I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.”
Reports suggest that just over a month later, the duchess was seen sending an email from her private account to the sex offender, apologising to him and expressing that she was “bedridden with fear”.
Her message read: “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that.
“You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family.”
The message went on: “I am apologising to you today for not replying to your email or reaching out to you. I was bedridden with fear. I was paralysed.
“I was advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you. And if I did – I would cause more problems to you, the Duke and myself. I was broken and lost.
“So please understand. I didn’t want to hurt Andrew one more time. I was in over-riding fear. I am sorry.”
The duchess’s spokesperson stated that Epstein had threatened to sue her for defamation after associating him with paedophilia.
The spokesperson said: “The duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims.
“Like many people, she was taken in by his lies.
“As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia.
“She does not resile from anything she said then.
“This email was sent in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats.”
Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex-trafficking charges.
The death was ruled a suicide.
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