Sarah Ferguson Defends Prince Andrew Against Virginia Giuffre Allegations During American TV Interview in New York

An old American TV appearance by Sarah Ferguson has suddenly taken on new life online, and not in a flattering way.

The clip, filmed more than a decade ago, shows the Duchess fiercely defending her former husband, Prince Andrew, against explosive allegations made by Virginia Giuffre.

At the time, it was just another press stop.

Today, in the wake of newly released Epstein-related documents, many royal watchers say it feels painfully awkward.

“Salacious Lies” and “Total Fury” on American Television

The interview aired on The Meredith Vieira Show in January 2015, hosted by Meredith Vieira.

Ferguson had been promoting her work with Weight Watchers after losing around 50 pounds, but the conversation quickly turned serious.

Giuffre had alleged in US court filings that she was 17 when she was trafficked by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions in the early 2000s.

Ferguson didn’t hesitate. She branded the claims “salacious lies” and described her reaction as “total fury.”

She insisted Buckingham Palace had already “emphatically denied” any sexual contact between Andrew and Giuffre and said there was “nothing more to be said.”

At one point, she called Andrew “one of the greatest men I’ve ever met in my life,” adding that she felt compelled to speak on his behalf.

A Settlement That Raised Eyebrows

Andrew has always denied wrongdoing.

Yet in 2022, he agreed to pay Giuffre a reported $12 million to settle her sexual assault lawsuit without admitting liability.

The settlement came after a disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview that many commentators said damaged his credibility and ultimately led to him stepping back from royal duties and losing his military titles and patronages.

The payment raised difficult questions.

Why settle, critics asked, if the allegations were baseless? Andrew maintained he had no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre, despite a widely circulated photograph showing him with his arm around her waist.

The Epstein Files and Fresh Scrutiny

Fast forward to 2026, and newly unsealed material often referred to as the “Epstein Files” has triggered another round of scrutiny.

Among the revelations was an unredacted email in which a journalist stated as fact that Andrew had “consensual” sex with Giuffre.

Epstein, according to reports, did not correct that claim.

The files also included a controversial photograph appearing to show Andrew crouched over a young woman, as well as references to alleged visits connected to Epstein’s network.

Legal experts now suggest Andrew could theoretically face investigation over potential offences ranging from sexual exploitation to misconduct in public office during his time as a UK trade envoy.

Andrew has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

Ferguson’s Own Epstein Links Under the Microscope

What has made the resurfaced 2015 interview even more uncomfortable for some observers is Ferguson’s own documented contact with Epstein.

Emails published in recent document releases show Ferguson expressing financial distress, reportedly tied to debts of around £6 million.

In one message, she asked Epstein to employ her as a house assistant while he was under house arrest in Florida following his conviction for procuring a child for prostitution.

In other emails, she thanked him profusely for his generosity and even jokingly suggested marriage.

The tone of those exchanges has fueled online criticism, with some arguing that her public defense of Andrew now looks complicated by her own reliance on Epstein’s financial support at the time.

Ferguson has previously said she deeply regrets her association with Epstein and described it as a serious error in judgment.

Public Reaction and Royal Fallout

Online reaction to the resurfaced clip has been fierce.

Social media users described the interview as “embarrassing” and said it had “not aged well.”

Others accused Ferguson of dismissing Giuffre’s claims too quickly.

The controversy has also placed renewed pressure on the wider Royal Family.

King Charles has reportedly signaled he would support police should any formal investigation be pursued.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they are “deeply concerned” about the revelations.

Meanwhile, Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, is once again at the center of a global debate about accountability, power, and justice.

What’s Next?

It remains unclear whether UK or US authorities will formally reopen or expand investigations in light of the newly unsealed documents.

Legal experts note that any potential prosecution would depend heavily on jurisdiction, evidence thresholds, and whether offences fall within statutory time limits.

Police may examine whether there is credible evidence that trafficking victims were knowingly brought onto royal premises.

That would mark a dramatic escalation.

For the Royal Family, the reputational stakes are enormous.

While Andrew no longer carries official duties, renewed legal or criminal scrutiny could reignite a crisis many believed had settled after the 2022 payout.

And for Ferguson, that 2015 television defense—once delivered with confidence—now sits in a very different light.

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What’s Next?

Authorities are expected to review the newly released documents carefully to determine whether they contain actionable evidence.

Legal analysts say investigators would need proof of knowing participation in trafficking or exploitation to pursue charges.

The Royal Household will likely continue distancing itself institutionally from Andrew, who remains a private citizen without official royal roles.

Public pressure for transparency may intensify if further documents emerge.

The broader question is whether this latest wave of disclosures represents the final chapter—or just another turn—in a scandal that has shadowed the monarchy for years.

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Summary

By MAANYA SACHDEVA, ASSOCIATE EDITOR, ROYALS

An old 2015 TV interview shows Sarah Ferguson defending Prince Andrew and dismissing Virginia Giuffre’s allegations as “salacious lies.”

The resurfaced clip has drawn renewed criticism following fresh disclosures in the Epstein Files, including unredacted emails and controversial photographs.

While Andrew denies wrongdoing and previously settled a lawsuit with Giuffre, legal experts suggest the newly released material could prompt further investigation, placing renewed pressure on both the Duke of York and the wider Royal Family.