Emails Show Ferguson Asked Epstein to Fund Flights, Film Screening After 2009 Release

Emails Show Ferguson Asked Epstein to Fund Flights, Film Screening After 2009 Release

Emails Show Ferguson Asked Epstein to Fund Flights, Film Screening After 2009 Release

Newly uncovered emails show Sarah Ferguson's office contacted Jeffrey Epstein on the day of his release from jail in July 2009 to request he fund flights for her and her daughters to visit him. The emails also show Ferguson later sought Epstein's financial support for a film screening.

Background

Epstein was released under house arrest to his waterfront mansion in Palm Beach on July 22, 2009, after serving 13 months for soliciting a child for prostitution. Ferguson was reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy at the time.

The Flight Requests

On the day of Epstein's release, Ferguson's office contacted his house manager, Lesley Groff. In an email headed "The Duchess of York," Groff wrote to Epstein: "Amanda from the Duchess' office just called. She said that you graciously offered to pay for the Duchess to come and visit you. Amanda would like to speak to (redacted) about flights."

The executive assistant is believed to have been referring to Amanda Lewis, then Ferguson's assistant.

The following morning, Groff updated Epstein: "Amanda said the princesses would like to accompany the Duchess and she is wondering if you might be willing to pay for them as well..."

Epstein replied with a simple "ok."

Groff then began organizing the trip. Ferguson requested a three-day stay in New York and flights described as carrying "crazy high price tags." Epstein instructed staff to book Ferguson in business class. Princess Eugenie, then 19, and Princess Beatrice, then 21, were to travel in economy or premium economy.

A series of emails show staff working to fulfill Ferguson's requests, including securing the most expensive available British Airways flight option. Ferguson provided her BA frequent flyer number.

At one point, Groff asked Epstein whether she could check "if they are flexible," noting that Ferguson's demands — including first class for herself and business class for the princesses — would exceed $30,000. Groff wrote: "There are no other tickets accept for First Class on the flight home she is requesting."

When Ferguson's office said no other timings would work, Groff confirmed the BA flights per Epstein's original instructions: business class for Ferguson and economy for the princesses. The confirmed booking cost $14,080.10.

Upgrade Request on Departure Day

Hours before the return flight from New York to London on July 30, 2009, Groff informed Epstein that Ferguson was requesting an upgrade. Groff wrote:

"The following is from Amanda the Duchess' assistant...would you like me to see if we can change the seats? I recall the plane being rather booked up! The Duchess has asked that she be in First and the girls in Club on the flight back from NYC to LHR apparently Jeffrey said that this would be ok please can you let me know if you can change this."

Within minutes, Epstein replied: "i said nothing,, do not respond."

Groff, who noted that attempts were being made to reach her by phone, agreed not to respond.

The July 27 Visit

The files indicate Ferguson and the princesses had stayed with American businessman Philip Levine at his Miami mansion before taking his car and driver to visit Epstein on July 27, 2009.

Messages from Ferguson confirmed her daughters would be joining the visit and asked Epstein whether he was providing lunch. Epstein replied it would be "vegetable lasagna" or "anything else you would like," prepared by a chef flown in from Paris.

The lunch is described in the emails as an occasion Ferguson used to seek advice and assistance regarding her financial situation.

The following week, Ferguson sent Epstein an email about business proposals that had emerged from their meeting. She wrote: "After your lunch it seems the energy has lifted. I have never been more touched by a friend's kindness than your compliment to me infront of my girls. Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for."

Emails show Ferguson expressed hope that new ventures might resolve her financial difficulties and that she could become "the quintessentially British Martha Stewart."

The Young Victoria Film Screening Request

In late 2009, Hollywood publicist Peggy Seigel — described in the emails as a close friend of Epstein — contacted Epstein on Ferguson's behalf regarding a screening of the film Young Victoria.

Seigel wrote: "She wants to know if you will come up and have it in your house....And she and I want to know if you can't come- can we have $20,000 to do the night."

Seigel's message also stated that Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later jailed for her role in luring underage girls for Epstein, was approached to host the event.

When Epstein declined to provide his home, Maxwell was said to have agreed to host before the event was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

Television Development Discussions

Additional emails show Ferguson forwarded Epstein details of her interest in appearing on American television. One email indicates she had discussions with TV producer Mark Burnett about a role on The Celebrity Apprentice and the development of her own series titled Duchess for a Day.

Context

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The emails were uncovered and reported by the Daily Mail.

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Source

Reported by Inderdeep Bains for Mail Online. Read original article.