A US lawmaker has written to Sarah Ferguson urging her to testify to congress over her ‘close personal and business ties’ with Jeffrey Epstein.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has ‘respectfully’ requested the former Duchess give evidence as a part of a government investigation into the paedophile financier’s sex trafficking operations.
Sarah has been marred in controversy in recent months after emails released by the US Justice Department appeared to show her contacting Epstein for financial advice, requesting money and asking him to ‘marry me’.
Last night, she had her Freedom of the City of York title revoked in a further humiliation after losing her royal title and being booted out of Royal Lodge last year.
In light of the recent revelations, Democrat Mr Subramanyam urged Sarah to ‘provide information’ relating to Epstein’s crimes and those of his co-conspirators, which includes disgraced former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.
He has also sought any further information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s involvement in Epstein’s operations after the former Prince appeared several times in the millions of documents published by the Justice Department.
Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.
Subramanyam asked Sarah to provide a response no later than April 9, marking the most direct call for her to testify since the investigation began.
Sarah is not under any legal obligation to give evidence in the US, but she is facing increased pressure from Subramanyam and other members of congress to do so.
Sarah Ferguson (pictured with ex-husband Andrew) has been urged to testify to congress over her ‘close personal and business ties’ with Jeffrey Epstein
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (above) has ‘respectfully’ requested the former Duchess give evidence as a part of a government investigation into the paedophile financier
Congressman Subramanyam’s letter, which was obtained by the BBC, reads: ‘I write to seek your cooperation with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operations.
‘The Committee is seeking information from anyone who has knowledge of Mr. Epstein’s criminal operations, and reports and released Department of Justice files reveal your close personal and business ties with Mr. Epstein.
‘As the Committee seeks justice for the survivors of Mr. Epstein’s criminal enterprise, and transparency for the American public, I respectfully request your cooperation with the Committee’s investigation.’
He goes on to reference a number of documents in the Epstein files which appear to shows Sarah’s seemingly dotting relationship with paedophile, which she maintained even after he was convicted of child sex offences in 2008.
This includes an email sent in January 2010 from someone named ‘Sarah’ describing Epstein as ‘a legend’ and telling him ‘I am at your service. Just marry me.’
Subramanyam also mentions emails that appear to show discussions between the pair over setting up a female empowerment brand named Mothers Army, of which Epstein planned to be a majority stakeholder.
His letter also referenced emails that suggest Ferguson was being bankrolled by Epstein, with one email appearing to show the former Duchess directly ask him for a $100,000 loan.
In an interview with the London Evening Standard in March 7, 2011 Fergie admitted accepting £15,000 from Epstein, for which she apologised and called it ‘a giant error of judgment’.
Congressman Subramanyam’s letter asks Sarah to provide a response no later than April 9
Ferguson pictured with her two daughters Princess Beatrice (left) and Princess Eugenie in London in 2017
In fresh humiliation for Sarah, last night councillors from the City of York unanimously voted in favour of a motion to revoke another of her titles.
The Freedom of the City of York accoladeis a historic honorary status dating back to the 13th century.
It once had trade advantages but is now largely symbolic and grants holders with the right to join the Gild of Freemen of York, who take an interest in the affairs of the city.
It has previously been bestowed upon politicians and celebrities including Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.
The former duchess has not been seen in public since December.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of YorkJeffrey Epstein
