Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, recently revealed a harrowing experience involving alleged threats from Jeffrey Epstein. During a disturbing phone call, she described his tone as reminiscent of a chilling Hannibal Lecter, leaving her “terrified,” according to RadarOnline.com.
This unsettling incident has resurfaced in light of increasing scrutiny regarding Ferguson’s past connections with the disgraced financier, reigniting concerns about her association with him.
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Ferguson Reflects on Her Regrets About Epstein
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Ferguson referred to her dealings with Epstein as a ‘terrible, terrible error in judgment.’
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The distressing encounter reportedly dates back to 2011 when Ferguson, now 65, admitted to accepting nearly $27,000 from Epstein to resolve some of her debts.
In a March 2011 interview, she labeled the arrangement as “a terrible, terrible error of judgment,” asserting, “I abhor paedophilia.”
However, Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor, was furious over her public comments and made what her aides described as one of the most unsettling calls in her life.
James Henderson, Ferguson’s advisor at the time, vividly recalled the conversation: “People don’t understand just how terrible Epstein was.”
He added, “It was a chilling call, and I’m surprised anyone ever called him a friend because of the way he spoke to me.”
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Epstein’s Menacing Threats towards the Royal Family
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Henderson noted Epstein’s threat as stark and chilling.
Henderson revealed that Epstein’s threats were unequivocal, stating, “He said he would destroy the York family, and he was very clear about it. He said he would destroy me as well.”
According to Henderson, at the age of 58, Epstein used a cold, calm tone during the call that was reminiscent of a “Hannibal Lecter-type voice.”
He recalled, “It was not a loud exchange; he spoke in a cold, menacing manner. It was profoundly unsettling.” Following the two-minute call, Henderson saved Epstein’s contact information to ensure he would never receive another call from him.
A source close to the Duchess indicated that Ferguson was profoundly affected by the ominous conversation.
As one insider noted, “The impact of that call cannot be overstated. Sarah felt trapped, and in response to those threats, she sent an email that she normally would not have written.”
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A Duchess Left ‘Terrified’
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The Duchess was left horrified by Epstein’s threats.
Epstein’s threats left a deep mark on her.
The email she later sent revealed her attempt to placate Epstein. She referred to him as a “steadfast, generous, and supreme friend” while extending a “humble apology” for her public criticisms.
In her message, she expressed understanding that he might feel “hellaciously let down by me.” While aimed at self-preservation, this email would later resurface, leading to significant repercussions for Ferguson, including being dropped from various charity roles.
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Ferguson’s Backlash over Epstein Connections
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Multiple charities have since cut ties with Ferguson over her connections to Epstein.
Organizations such as the British Heart Foundation, The Children’s Literacy Charity, and The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation have severed ties with the Duchess due to the fallout from her association with Epstein.
Julia’s House, a children’s hospice located in Dorset and Wiltshire, was one of the first to announce her removal as patron, citing it as “inappropriate” in light of her previous correspondence with Epstein.
Moreover, the Teenage Cancer Trust, with which Ferguson has been affiliated since 1990, immediately cut ties. This charity has personal significance for her as she had previously taken her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to visit the trust’s units on their 18th birthdays.
The repercussions of this situation mark a significant decline in Ferguson’s charitable engagements after decades of philanthropy. Henderson defended her actions during the email exchange, stating, “He made it abundantly clear that he would destroy her family. The pressure she faced to protect her loved ones must have been immense. Her family and children have always been her priority, and that call, though brief, was chilling beyond belief.”
