Fergie 'Devastated' After Pay-for-Access Sting

By PopEater Staff Posted May 23rd 2010 02:35PM

Dutchess of York Sarah Ferguson is at the center of a nasty undercover sting done by News of the World in which she was caught on tape seemingly offering access to her ex-husband Prince Andrew in exchange for nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. The News reporter was posing as a businessman in the undercover operation. PopEater's Rob Shuter has known Ferguson for years, and is urging people not to make a snap judgment on her. "This is not the Sarah I know," Shuter says. More on the scandal, plus inside scoop from Shuter ... after the jump.

The tabloid News of the World posted video on its website that appears to show Ferguson discussing payment terms. She is heard to say "500,000 pounds ($724,000) when you can, to me, open doors."

Asked if she was referring to the prince, she said: "Yeah."

Later in the conversation, Fergie tells the reporter that "If you want to go and then if we want to do a big deal with Andrew, then that's the big one ... You send it to the bank account that I tell you to send it to."

Andrew is an international British trade ambassador. The newspaper said he knew nothing of the meeting.

The report is embarrassing, but there is no suggestion Ferguson did anything illegal.

PopEater's Rob Shuter, who has known Ferguson for years, says the scandal doesn't seem to fit her character.

"I saw the Duchess 2 months ago in New York City and she was in great spirits," Shuter said, saying that people should "not rush to judgment" just yet.

"Sarah spends more time raising money for charities than anyone I know," Shuter contends. "She is extremely protective about Prince Andrew and her children -- that's what makes this tape even more shocking. We have only seem an edited tape ... often careful editing can paint a picture that isn't always true."

Ferguson's spokeswoman, Kate Waddington, confirmed the recording was authentic. She said the duchess was "devastated" and regretted the embarrassment she had caused.

"Sarah is a smart woman but can sometimes get confused. I'm hoping that's what is happening right now," Shuter says.

Ferguson married Andrew, who is fourth in line to the throne, in 1986. They had two children, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, before divorcing in 1996.

Since then Ferguson has written children's books, made television documentaries and acted as a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.

She also has struggled financially and has complained that her divorce settlement was stingy.

Recently the company set up to manage her U.S. career in publishing, public speaking and media work, Hartmoor LLC, collapsed with debts of around $1 million.

Buckingham Palace said it does not speak for Ferguson, who is no longer a member of the royal family, and would not comment on the story.

Ferguson was flying Sunday to Los Angeles, where she is scheduled to receive an award for her charity work.

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Tags: duchess of york, sarah ferguson

Comments

(27)

Sunday 23 May

By hey there

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I for one do not believe the way that conversation appears to point. I understand she is in need of cash to fund her way of life, but as Rob Shuter pointed out, she is extremely protective not only of her girls, but her ex as well. I DO NOT believe she would sell him out!

By BTDT

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The world's earliest profession.

By kluji

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everyone needs cashola these days! lol. Too Funny. Prince? Dutchess? Queen? What a crock!

By warcraffl6

Oh what a shock a woman trying to get some money.Shes a woman the rules dont apply to her.Tell they got caught and cry.

Monday 24 May

By jb

Really whats the big deal - she was offered money to set up an interview the Prince Andrew. If you all think you wouldn't do it too for that kind of cash - YOU'RE LYING!!!

By deejay

just finished watching the video, and I swear it looks like she is drunk....that might be the reason she did this...of course there were rumored "ongoing" problems related to her from way back.

By Marcie

I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned that. She is highly inebriated. Slurring her words, swaying, disoriented and not even speaking intelligible sentences. This woman needs help. She needs to be in rehabilitation. I feel sorry for her and her girls but this video may be a good thing. Maybe now she will get help or someone close will intervein.

By Valeria

I think that's how she normally talks. Kind of slurry. But then maybe she's always drunk?

By J9

The REAL story here is that as usual a TABLOID broke the news! Where is the Washington Times, the New York Times, the LA...oh no forget them....

NEWS is now the purview of tabloid reportage....main stream press are party political broadcasts.

By oxjr

Ewwwww tabloids are gross, even if they can get the news it is pretty slimmy how they got it.

By ShameOnU

When you act like a prostitute and sell yourself thats one thing, but when you sell family for cash... thats something else. I don't feel sorry for her at all. I pity her daughters who have to live this down.

By JBaer

For a minute there I thought PopEater meant Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas.

By john

It might be a problem for her relationship with her ex, but sounds ok to me.

By julietswt

Parasite!..she has always been untrusting...

By Princess

Talk about making a mistake did anyone notice the quote by Rob Shuter> its saying make a snap judgement against her. Things happen people and so what if she did do it? its honest money and if I was in her place for that much money I would let them have access to my husband heck for that amount they can have him for a week or so.. a rent or lease. Give the girl a break.

By John

As strange and stodgey the Queen and all the other Brits are, they probably feel the worst thing is she was seen smoking.

By Wendy

That's true. For a long time impoverished royals have done many things to make money. It's only the smoking that will shock them.

By terimarge

Proofreading is everything.

"PopEater's Rob Shuter has known Ferguson for years, and is urging people to make a snap judgment on her." Really? Amazing how important the word "not" is when it changes the whole meaning you are trying to convey.

By Dan

Isn't the correct spelling 'Duchess' (no T)?
This is not the title of the other Fergie's solo album.

By Leigh

"PopEater's Rob Shuter has known Ferguson for years, and is urging people to make a snap judgment on her."
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Perhaps the word 'NOT' is missing?
(As in, 'NOT to make a snap judgment'?)
Where are the proof-readers and editors?

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