Sarah Ferguson ‘vows never to visit one country again’ - ‘it would be unbearable’

Sarah Ferguson has allegedly vowed never to visit the US again amid fears of backlash from Epstein victims after being called to cooperate with a Government investigation. The former Duchess was summoned to the States two weeks ago by a US lawmaker, who insisted she appeared before Congress due to her "close personal and business ties" with the paedophile.

Ms Ferguson has not been seen in public after emails appeared to show she showered the paedophile with adoration after he was convicted of child sex crimes. An insider told the Mirror: "Sarah has made it clear to those around her she will never set foot in America again. She is deeply worried about the reaction she would face, whether from Epstein’s victims or scrutiny from Congress."

"She feels it would be unbearable and does not want to be put in a position under oath where she would be asked not only about Epstein but also about Andrew."

Since she is not a US citizen, she is not required to respond to the request from Lawmaker Suhas Subramanyam, or appear before Congress to give evidence in a government investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking operations.

Subramanyam’s letter stated: "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 him.

"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."

The source claimed avoiding the US had "not been a difficult decision despite how deeply entrenched in America she once was".

It calls into question how the money-stressed mother will make cash, having relied heavily on the US for money-making ventures, having appeared frequently on US television, including The Oprah Winfrey Show. She also pursued partnerships with US retail giant Target and cruise line Cunard, and was a high-profile spokeswoman for Weight Watchers for several years.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show she struggled with money despite the ventures, having asked Epstein for financial help in 2009. Inclusion in the Epstein files does not indicate any wrongdoing.

In one email exchange from 2009, Ferguson appeared write: "I urgently need 20,000 pounds ($27,521) for rent today. The landlord has threatened to go to the newspapers if I don't pay. Any brainwaves?"

She also appeared to shower him with compliments, writing in 2009: "Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for."

The following year, she appeared to write: "You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness."