A U.S. 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 U.S. 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. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
In the letter, which was sent to Ferguson on Thursday and set a two-week deadline for her to respond, Congressman Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said the recent drop of Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed her close personal and business ties with 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 wrote.
The letter referred to an email from a Sarah describing Epstein as a legend after his conviction in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor, stating: I am at your service. Just marry me. It also referenced emails suggesting Ferguson asked Epstein directly for financial assistance.
The letter inquired about her awareness of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement with Epstein's operations.
New details emerged about Ferguson's friendship with the late convicted sex offender in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year. Officials investigating the Epstein case believe Ferguson possesses information that could assist their efforts.
Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury echoed the calls for testimony, stressing the importance of cooperation for the sake of justice for survivors. However, the committee controlled by Republicans has not indicated support for Ferguson's testimony request.
Ferguson's links to Epstein have already affected her reputation, with multiple charities distancing themselves from her and her honorary titles being stripped amidst ongoing examinations of her connections to Epstein.
