Epstein wanted Sarah Ferguson to say he was ‘not a pedo’, emails show

The exchanges were revealed in the three million documents newly released by the US Department of Justice

Paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein wanted Sarah Ferguson, the then-Duchess of York, to release a statement saying he was “not a pedo”, newly released emails appear to show.

He also wanted her to say that she had been “duped” into believing false allegations about him after she told a newspaper she wanted “nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again”, according to the emails released in the latest tranche of Epstein files containing more than three million documents.

Also released among the files are undated images of Sarah’s ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appearing to crouch over a woman on a floor, as the former prince faces further questions over his connection to the late financier.

In one document an email from Epstein revealed him asking publicist Mike Stikrick to “draft a statement that in an ideal world Fergie would put out” in March 2011, three years after he was convicted for prostituting minors.

Days beforehand, Sarah had given an interview to the Evening Standard in which she apologised for accepting £15,000 from Epstein, and said she abhored “paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf”.

Epstein’s email to Mr Sitrick said: “I think that Fergie can now say, I am not a pedo.. She was DUPED into believeing false stories, by Civil Plaintiffs Attorneys from Florida. They represented themselves as law enforcment (fisten), and she was told horrible things and she reacted.

“She now knows that what she was told was based on false hoods, and fabrications desiened to enhance their civill suit. She should out the newspaperes on the offering of money for stories.”

Sarah Ferguson’s ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly the Duke of York

Mr Sitrick replied: “Agree, quite frankly whatever her excuse she needs to say she was mistaken, she apologizes, feels terrible. Jeffrey is not a pedophile.

“The you woman who was the source of the conviction for solicitation of prostitutions for someone under 18 was 17-3/4 and she is very sorry.

“We need all those components. She created this problem. She needs to fix It and as I know everyone knows time is of the essence here.”

Epstein responded saying that they “cannot depend on her doing as we would wish… We need an alternative”, adding “Fergie and Hope is not sufficient.”

Mr Sitrick replied to Epstein saying: “The Fergie retraction is critical. One of your good friends, a member of the Royal family, is calling you a pedophile. If gentle persuasion doesn’t work, it is my view that we need to turn up the heat even to the point of sending her a draft defamation lawsuit.

“As I said yesterday, this would be a major turning point and be picked up everywhere. This is about your name and your reputation. You really can’t worry about her, in my view, you need to worry about you.”

The following day, Epstein emailed Mr Sitrick saying: “I would like you to draft a statement that in an ideal world Fergie would put out,” to which the publicist responds saying “With pleasure”.

The newly released documents also reveal Epstein told others “Fergie said she could organise tea in Buckingham Palace apts.. or Windsor Castle” in 2009. Other files suggest Andrew invited Epstein for dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010.

Also, the files show someone referred to as just “Sarah” thanked Epstein for “being the brother I have always wished for” and she has “never been more touched by a friends kindness” in August 2009. A few months earlier, “Sarah” emailed Epstein calling him “my dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey” and a “legend,” adding that she is “so proud” of him.

The US Department of Justice has released more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein (AP)

Andrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019 after an interview on BBC Newsnight but the publication of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, and the US government’s release of documents from Epstein’s estate, brought more scrutiny over his relationship with the financier.

It led to the King officially stripping his disgraced brother of both his HRH style and his prince title. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The loss of Andrew’s titles meant Sarah reverted back to her maiden name of Sarah Ferguson. The former duchess has been contacted for comment.