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Calls grow for Ferguson to testify in Epstein probe
US lawmakers are pressing Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, to provide sworn testimony about her connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as new details emerge from recently unsealed documents.
Congressional demands
Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein's prosecution, stated Ferguson may possess "information related to the investigation." While there is no legal mechanism to compel her testimony, Subramanyam said lawmakers would accommodate her conditions if she testified under oath.
Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury echoed the call, urging anyone with knowledge of Epstein's wrongdoing to cooperate. "Our responsibility is to follow the facts wherever they lead," she told the BBC.
The family of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre also weighed in, with a representative stating Ferguson "should testify in the United States immediately" if she has relevant information.
New revelations from Epstein files
Documents released by the US Department of Justice earlier this year reveal Ferguson's close ties to Epstein, including emails describing herself as "very traumatised and alone" and referring to him as "the brother I have always wished for." The files show she maintained contact while he was imprisoned for soliciting a minor and later brought her daughters to lunch with him days after his release.
Gloria Allred, a lawyer representing Epstein's victims, argued Ferguson cannot claim ignorance of his crimes. "She is not a victim in this story," Allred said, urging her to testify before Congress and speak to UK police.
Biographer Andrew Lownie called Ferguson a "material witness," noting she visited Epstein's homes frequently. "She will have seen just as much as Andrew," he said.
Ferguson's legal and public standing
Ferguson's former media lawyer, Jonathan Coad, dismissed the idea she would testify, calling it a "disaster" for her and her daughters. "Of course she won't go," he said, adding it would also reflect poorly on Prince Andrew, who has avoided answering questions about Epstein.
Her ties to Epstein have already cost her multiple roles. Last September, she was dropped by several charities, including the Youth Impact Council, where she served as an ambassador. In October, she lost her duchess title after Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title and was forced to vacate Royal Lodge, their shared Windsor residence.
Her children's book, delayed and later withdrawn, and the potential revocation of her Freedom of the City of York honor-scheduled for discussion on 26 March-mark a steep decline in her public standing.
Speculation over her next moves
Ferguson's whereabouts remain unknown, with reports placing her in the UAE, Portugal, Switzerland, or an Irish wellness retreat. Despite media scrutiny, she has avoided public sightings.
Rumors persist she may pursue a tell-all memoir or TV interview, with US networks reportedly offering six-figure sums. Max Goldbart, international TV editor at *Deadline*, suggested such an interview would "make for good TV," noting American audiences' fascination with royal family drama.
Her charity, Sarah's Trust, announced last month it would close "for the foreseeable future," with the Charity Commission confirming a formal request to dissolve it.
"She knows where all the bodies are buried. She certainly must have information that would potentially be embarrassing to the royal household."
Royal commentator Richard Palmer
Ferguson's representatives have not responded to requests for comment on the testimony calls, a potential memoir, or interview offers.
