Epstein 'threatened to destroy duchess in phone call'

The Duchess of York allegedly sent an email apologising to the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein after he threatened to "destroy her" in a "Hannibal Lecter-style" phone call, according to reports.

- Caroline Davies

Sarah Ferguson sent the message in April 2011, describing Epstein as a “supreme friend” after she had publicly disowned him in the media.

James Henderson, her spokesperson at the time, said the email was sent after a “really menacing and nasty” call from the sex offender, in which he had a “Hannibal Lecter-type voice”, the Telegraph reported.

Henderson, who was contacted for comment, said that Epstein was incensed by her description of him as a paedophile and made a “chilling” phone call in which he threatened to take legal action, the paper said.

Several charities cut ties with her on Monday as a result of the email.