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Ferguson turned to Epstein during financial turmoil
Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, reached out to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 while he served a jail sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Ferguson, facing a £6 million debt, sought his guidance on potential bailout offers from billionaires and other financial strategies.
Desperate measures and demoralizing struggles
Ferguson's correspondence, disclosed in the emails, paints a picture of deep financial distress. She described her situation as "so so demoralising" and confessed to feeling "about to freak with exhaustion." In one message, she reportedly stated, "Death is easier than this." The emails suggest she explored multiple avenues to alleviate her debt, including selling jewelry and securing financial backing from wealthy individuals.
Billionaire bailout offers and Epstein's involvement
Among the proposals Ferguson considered was an offer from British billionaire John Caudwell, founder of Phones4U. Caudwell reportedly agreed to clear her debts in exchange for 50% of her lifetime net profits. Epstein's response, as captured in the emails, was blunt: "Have him put the deal in writing." A spokesperson for Caudwell confirmed discussions took place but emphasized he had no knowledge of Ferguson's communication with Epstein and no direct contact with him. The deal was never finalized.
Epstein and his associate, London-based businessman David Stern, discussed Ferguson's financial woes in disparaging terms. In one exchange, Epstein reportedly instructed Stern to adopt a tough stance, comparing Ferguson to "a girlfriend that has cheated." Stern appeared to agree, replying that treating her as such was "working."
Bankruptcy preparations and chaotic finances
Ferguson's financial disarray was evident in her correspondence. In an email to Stern, she outlined her various projects-books, television deals, and endorsements-and expressed frustration at the lack of oversight. "It is imperative I employ a CEO or Manager who sorts all of my life out," she wrote, adding that she had authored 26 books and believed revenue was available but uncollected.
Stern and Epstein reportedly began preparing for a potential personal bankruptcy. Stern sent Epstein a document titled "F liabilities," detailing Ferguson's debts. In October 2009, Stern described a meeting with Ferguson, noting her emotional state: "I surrender, I am ready to die, death is easier than this."
Russian billionaire and royal interventions
Ferguson also explored an offer from Russian billionaire Vladimir Zemtsov, whom Stern described as "substantial, pragmatic, and for Russian standards discreet." Zemtsov was approached about investing in a series of children's fairytales but insisted on a professionally scoped business plan. A spokesperson for Zemtsov confirmed the discussions but stated he had no further contact and was unaware of any involvement by Epstein.
In early 2010, Stern hinted at a possible contribution from Ferguson's ex-husband, Prince Andrew. "Just received this mail from Eric the lawyer: I met w PA [Prince Andrew]. He's putting up 1mm [£1 million]," Stern reportedly wrote. However, Ferguson's financial troubles persisted. Later that year, she faced a lawsuit from the law firm Davenport Lyons, which Andrew reportedly agreed to settle.
Scandal and financial recovery
Ferguson's financial struggles took a public turn in May 2010 when she was caught in a sting operation by the News of the World, allegedly offering access to Prince Andrew in exchange for £500,000. Despite the scandal, she avoided bankruptcy.
Her debts were partially resolved through informal settlements. An email from accountancy firm PwC indicated creditors were offered 25 pence for every pound owed. By September 2010, Ferguson secured a deal with Oprah Winfrey's network for a six-part series, Finding Sarah, which helped alleviate her financial burden.
Unanswered questions and denials
Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. David Stern also declined to comment. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The emails do not clarify whether Ferguson's debts were fully repaid, though a former personal assistant reportedly received about half of their claim in 2011, indirectly funded by Andrew.
