Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein.Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images; Neil Rasmus/Patrick McMullan
Prince Andrewis continuing to speak out about the sex abuse claims surrounding his former friendJeffrey Epstein.
“It is apparent to me since the suicide of Mr. Epstein that there has been an immense amount of media speculation about so much in his life. This is particularly the case in relation to my former association or friendship with Mr. Epstein. Therefore I ameager to clarify the facts to avoid further speculation,” he wrote.
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony charge of solicitation of a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. After serving 13 months, he was granted work release and registered as a sex offender.
The royal added: “His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. This is a difficult time for everyone involved and I am at a loss to be able to understand or explain Mr. Epstein’s lifestyle. I deplore the exploitation of any human being and would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behavior.”
Jeffrey Epstein.Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock
Earlier in August, Buckingham Palace released a statement on Andrew’s behalf afternew video footageemerged that appeared to show the prince at the Manhattan home of Epstein in 2010.
“His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent,” the statement concluded.
(L-R) Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew.Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images
Buckingham Palace continues to issue strong denials that Giuffre (then Roberts) was forced to have sex with Andrew, at age 17. “It is emphatically denied that The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts,” the statement said. “Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.”
Hefirst issued a denial in 2015, and aFlorida judge ruled Giuffre’s claims “lurid” and “unnecessary”in April 2015.
source: people.com
