Sarah Ferguson sought help from convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to set up a business centred on supporting mothers, new documents have suggested.
In a series of documents released by the US Department of Justice, plans were allegedly discussed to create a business known as Mother's Army.
Ms Ferguson, 66, appeared to start a year-long effort to launch the company, with its mission to "help amplify the voices of mothers all over the world to tackle some of the tougher issues facing young people and families".
Epstein allegedly would be involved in the former Duchess of York's business, which stands "for integrity, consciousness, morals, etc".
Ms Ferguson sought help from Epstein
|REUTERS/PA
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The proposals for the business appeared to be sent after Epstein's 2008 conviction for child sex offences, allegedly stating he would hold a 51 per cent equity in Mother's Army, making him the majority stakeholder.
One section appeared to say Ms Ferguson would receive a salary of $250,000 under the plan.
It is allegedly questioned whether the former duchess should be based in New York, as the "UK market is poison for her".
A separate email appeared to detail how Epstein would play his role in the business, writing that Mothers Army gives the "potential to leverage her network for MA growth but also other JEDS deals".
The proposals for the business appeared to be sent after Epstein's 2008 conviction for child sex offences
|USDEPARTMENTOFJUSTICE
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The email alleged that JEDS was intended to be an investment source to allow Epstein to fund Mother's Army.
It is unclear whether Ms Ferguson ever agreed to give the paedophile equity in Mother's Army, but it appears to show that he was part of the plans.
In an alleged email exchange from June, the 66-year-old asked Epstein for guidance in starting the company.
Epstein appeared to advise seeking five "powerful women" who will not be jealous of the former Duchess of York and act as public faces of the brand.
Ms Ferguson appeared to ask Epstein's 'lovely lawyers to trademark Mother's Army'
|USDEPARTMENTOFJUSTICE
Ms Ferguson allegedly recommended Ghislaine Maxwell, but Epstein appeared to disagree, noting she does not have children.
A couple of months later, the former duchess allegedly provided an update on the business's progress, calling the paedophile "the brother I have always wished for".
Emails appear to indicate Epstein remained involved in Ms Ferguson's efforts to start the company.
The 66-year-old allegedly asked Epstein in a separate email: "Please can you ask your lovely lawyers to trademark Mothers Army for me not just the website but in every category."
Ms Ferguson has previously spoken about her regret with being associated with Epstein
| GETTYFerguson appeared to emphasise the importance of this, with Epstein allegedly responding: "We are in the process of putting together training manuals, approvals. And strategic short-term and long-term goals along with the tactics needed to see them through."
Epstein appeared to filter away from the setup as publicity grew surrounding his activities and conviction.
Ms Ferguson has stated in the past her regret with being associated with Epstein, saying: "I would never have anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children. It was a gigantic error of judgment."
Being named or pictured in the Epstein files does not show any sign of wrongdoing or misconduct.
GB News has approached the Duchess of York for comment.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter