Jeffrey Epstein’s death is probably one of the biggest conspiracies of 2019.
The late billionaire mogul was charged with sex trafficking of minors last July—more than a decade after he was charged for allegedly molesting minors. A month later, he was found dead in his cell after an apparent suicide. However, people don’t believe that this is the case. CNBC recently reported that the FBI is investigating the possibility of a criminal enterprise allegedly responsible for Epstein’s death.
The reason why people believe Epstein was murdered is because of his high-profile connections with political figures and how he would allegedly introduce minors to them. One friend was Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Prince Andrew has been accused of having sexual encounters with Virginia Roberts Giuffre when she was underage. In a 2015 federal court filing, Giuffre alleged that Epstein forced her to perform sexual acts with prominent men, including Prince Andrew back in 2001.
Last Saturday, Prince Andrew denied the allegations in a BBC interview and said he doesn’t recall meeting Giuffre and has given several alibis about where he was at that time. He also claimed that the photo of him and Giuffre that’s circulating online may have been fake.
Despite that, the prince tried to downplay his friendship with Epstein, claiming he was supposed to cut ties with him. But “Newsnight” host Emily Maitlis was quick to ask why Prince Andrew stayed in Epstein’s mansion for four days if he was supposed to be breaking off the friendship. He admitted it was “the wrong thing to do,” but also said that his friendship with Epstein had been beneficial to him.
Several organizations like Standard Chartered and KPMG have announced that they’re cutting ties with Prince Andrew due to the allegations. However, he reportedly still has the backing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family. A senior royal source told the Evening Standard, “They believe in him totally and think he has shown strength for telling the truth and admitting errors he has made. There is no question of him being ordered to reduce his duties. He wants to get on with his job. He has told the truth, in detail.”
It’s no secret that the queen’s “favorite child” is Prince Andrew, so it’s not surprising if she is defending him. It’s also disappointing because it may mean that the prince has the backing of someone powerful.
Despite that, many people are calling BS on the prince’s alibis, noting that his BBC interview only raised more questions regarding his alleged sexual misconduct while he was with Epstein. Some have also brought up his partying habits and how touchy he was with other women in the past, which goes against his claims that he “never really felt the need to go and party.”
Regardless if he’s backed by his mother and other royals, the public’s perception of him has already tarnished his reputation. Royal writer Christopher Andersen told The Daily Beast that his could also later affect his relationship with the queen and his brother Prince Charles.
“With all the other problems going on inside The Firm right now—the rift between William and Harry, Megan Markle’s obvious unhappiness—the revelations concerning Andrew and Epstein are just tossing more gasoline on the fire. Simply put, the monarchy is starting to look a lot shakier than it did just one year ago—and Andrew’s fumbled attempts at explaining away his shocking private life aren’t helping,” Andersen said.
So does that mean they might cut ties with Prince Andrew because his alleged misconduct will bring shame to the family? Or will they do it because he’s a potential sex offender like Epstein?
Prince Andrew’s alleged crimes have not been proven, but the pieces of evidence so far are clearly not on his side. If he really is as innocent as he claims, he’ll help with the Epstein investigation and not defend him in any way. If he wants to avoid bringing further shame to his family, he should turn himself in.
Likewise, we hope Epstein’s victims get the justice they deserve and that his prominent friends get punished. Epstein may be dead, but there are a lot more people who can be punished in his place.
Photo courtesy of @theduchesscommentary’s Instagram account
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