English
British charities are distancing themselves from Sarah Ferguson after reports linked her to an email exchange with Jeffrey Epstein. The Sarah Ferguson Epstein email scandal surfaced over the weekend, sparking backlash and reputational fallout for the Duchess of York.
Charities sever long-standing ties
Julia’s House, a children’s hospice, confirmed it ended Ferguson’s patronage. The charity said her reported email to Epstein made her position “inappropriate.” Other organizations quickly followed. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer, and Teenage Cancer Trust—where Ferguson served for 35 years—also cut ties.
A spokesperson for Ferguson said lawyers advised her to write to Epstein. At the time, he allegedly threatened legal action after she publicly associated him with sexual abuse.
Ferguson’s past ties to Epstein
In 2011, Ferguson admitted accepting £15,000 from Epstein. She later apologized, calling it a “gigantic error of judgment.” She insisted she abhorred child abuse and vowed to repay the money. Yet according to The Sun, Ferguson later sent Epstein a private email. In it, she described him as a “steadfast, generous, and supreme friend.” This correspondence reignited scrutiny over her ties to the disgraced financier.
Broader royal controversies
The scandal comes just weeks after reports revealed Prince Andrew maintained contact with Epstein until 2015, longer than he previously admitted. He has faced mounting criticism since a 2019 BBC interview, which highlighted his lack of sympathy for Epstein’s victims.
Andrew later settled a sexual assault lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers. He has since stepped down from all royal duties and charity work.
Growing reputational damage
Both Andrew and Ferguson have faced scandals that raised concerns over their financial dealings and judgment. Recent revelations of Ferguson’s correspondence may intensify calls for accountability within royal circles.
As charities withdraw support, the Sarah Ferguson Epstein email scandal underscores the enduring fallout from Epstein’s network and its lingering effect on public figures.
