- Prince Andrew and the U.S. prosecutors investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are in conflict over Andrew's participation in the Epstein case.
- Media outlets reported Monday that prosecutors had "formally requested" Andrew's assistance in the investigation.
- In response, Andrew's lawyers said that he had offered to help three times, offers rejected by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- U.S. attorney Geoffrey Berman subsequently accused Andrew of attempting to "falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to co-operate," stating the royal had "repeatedly declined" interview requests.
A public conflict has arisen between Prince Andrew and the U.S. prosecutors investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, regarding Andrew's degree of participation in the inquiry. Andrew said he would assist prosecutors in his controversial BBC interview last year—in which he denied Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre's allegations that she was forced to have sex with the royal—stating that he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required." In January, Geoffrey Berman, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, alleged that the royal had offered "zero" cooperation with the inquiry.
On Monday, media outlets including NBC reported that prosecutors had "formally requested through the British government" to speak to Andrew in relation to the case. Attorney General William Barr subsequently told Fox News that the Duke of York would not be extradited, saying, "I don't think it's a question of handing him over. I think it's just a question of having him provide some evidence."
Andrew's lawyers, the London firm Blackfords, responded with a "strongly worded two-page statement," as the Guardian reports, claiming that Andrew had offered to help with the investigation three times, and was rebuffed by the Department of Justice. "The Duke of York has on at least three occasions this year offered his assistance as a witness to the DoJ. Unfortunately, the DoJ has reacted to the first two offers by breaching their own confidentiality rules and claiming that the duke has offered zero cooperation. In doing so, they are perhaps seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered," the statement read.
A post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews)
A photo posted by on
Berman responded with another public statement, as reported by the Guardian, accusing Andrew of attempting to convince the public of his participation in the inquiry while "repeatedly" declining interview requests.
"Today, Prince Andrew yet again sought to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to cooperate with an ongoing federal criminal investigation into sex trafficking and related offences committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, even though the prince has not given an interview to federal authorities, has repeatedly declined our request to schedule such an interview and nearly four months ago informed us unequivocally—through the very same counsel who issued today’s release—that he would not come in for such an interview," Berman said.
A Department of Justice spokesperson told the Guardian that it "does not publicly comment on communications with foreign governments on investigative matters, including confirming or denying the very existence of such communications."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Bitten Lips Took Center Stage at Dior Fall 2024 Show
Models at the Dior Fall 2024 show paired bitten lips with bare skin, a beauty trend that will take precedence this season.
By Deena Campbell Published
-
Princess Diana Revealed to a Royal Author the Real Reason Why Her Marriage to Prince Charles Ended Not Long Before She Died in 1997
And no, it apparently wasn’t Camilla Parker-Bowles.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Princess Martha Louise of Norway Sets Wedding Date with Fiancé Shaman Durek Verrett After a Two Year Engagement
Already billed as “one of the most beautiful high society weddings of the year,” the celebration will last for four days.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published