Sarah Ferguson issued warning over 'six-figure deal' to 'save reputation'
Sarah Ferguson has kept a low profile in recent months (Image: Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)Sarah Ferguson is reportedly receiving numerous offers for a tell-all interview, but a PR expert suggests such a decision could prove counterproductive. According to celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius, the 66-year-old ought to carefully consider any financial incentive to prevent a repeat of the backlash that followed her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Newsnight interview.The former Duchess of York has maintained a low profile since alleged emails between her and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were mentioned in the Epstein files.Sarah is understood to have received multiple opportunities to present her side of the story but has refused, notwithstanding the prospect of a six-figure payment.The PR expert cautions that accepting such an offer could prove detrimental in the long run - as many argue occurred with Andrew.Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)In 2019, the former prince faced questioning about his association with Epstein and allegations made against him, which he has continually refuted. The interview was broadly considered a public relations catastrophe and, amid continuing controversy, he has subsequently withdrawn from royal duties and been stripped of his titles.Kayley indicated that should Sarah choose to speak publicly, it might be perceived as a "last-ditch attempt to save her reputation while also cashing in while she can". She added: "The only price at play here is emotional, and could lie in her attempts to make things right for Beatrice and Eugenie, as they have found themselves embroiled in the scandal as a result.Sarah is thought to have received numerous offers to break her silence (Image: Justin Tallis/Getty Images)"She can do the interview, but I'd say she can't expect to have much backing. In an age where audiences are more critical than ever and aware of how media productions operate, including the editorial control involved in high-profile interviews, anything she says is likely to face scrutiny."While Sarah has navigated controversies previously, the PR specialist believes this circumstance presents a different challenge."I believe there's very little she can say or do at this stage that would truly shift public sentiment," she added."There's no amount of crisis PR that can fully save her now, but what she can do is try to redirect attention and quietly rebuild, which may well be her strategy if she chooses not to speak."Andrew's Newsnight interview in 2019 was branded a PR disaster (Image: BBC)She also referenced the consequences of Andrew's Newsnight interview as a cautionary example. "I'd be surprised if she's being advised to do this professionally. To me, it sounds like a final cash grab, while potentially trying to divert attention away from herself and her family," she added.Kayley continued by suggesting Sarah has probably received "a lucrative offer" for her account, potentially spanning from tens of thousands to six-figure amounts, depending on the degree of detail and any evidence supplied. "If she does choose to talk, she may not hold back, and things could become messy very quickly," she said. Being named in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing. A representative for Sarah previously commented on certain emails, stating: "The Duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims."Like many people, she was taken in by his lies. As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he was then said to have threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia."
