A US lawmaker has made a direct plea to Sarah Ferguson to testify about her 'close personal and business ties' to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter seen exclusively by the BBC.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam urged her to provide information to the US congressional committee investigating the late sex offender. He also asked for any knowledge she had of her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement in Epstein's operations.
The letter represents the most direct pressure on the former duchess to testify since the start of the Epstein scandal. Ferguson's representatives have been approached for comment, while Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment on the specific allegations in relation to the release of millions of Epstein files in January. At the weekend, the BBC first revealed that some US lawmakers were calling for Ferguson to give evidence concerning her links to Epstein.
There is no legal mechanism to compel the former duchess to testify in the US. In the letter, dated Thursday and setting a two-week deadline for her response, Congressman Subramanyam noted that recent disclosures from Epstein's files suggest her 'close personal and business ties' to the financier. He emphasized the importance of her cooperation to ensure justice for Epstein's survivors and transparency for the public.
The letter referenced an email from an individual identified as 'Sarah,' who described Epstein as 'a legend' following his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, along with communications indicating that Ferguson sought financial support from him directly.
Further, the letter inquired into any knowledge she may have regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement with Epstein, acknowledging her social and business connections to the financier which could assist in the ongoing investigation.
This recent turn of events highlights the increasing scrutiny Ferguson is under as lawmakers pursue answers in the Epstein case and call for any potential witnesses, including her ex-husband, to provide statements.
Last weekend, Congressman Subramanyam communicated that he believes Ferguson holds significant information pertinent to the investigation, a sentiment echoed by Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury.
The circumstances surrounding Ferguson have worsened in recent months, as she faces repercussions for her connections to Epstein and has been dropped by various charities, with latest developments including the stripping of her honorary title from the City of York.
