Lawyers and new Jeffrey Epstein accuser urge Duke of York to speak to FBI about Epstein case
The Duke of York is facing growing calls to give a formal statement to American authorities examining the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal following his television interview.
Gloria Allred, a lawyer representing other alleged victims in the Epstein case, has called on Prince Andrew to voluntarily be questioned by the FBI.
During a press conference in Los Angeles, she said: "In reference to Prince Andrew, I have called on him to voluntarily meet with the FBI and prosecutors who are investigating this criminal case in New York."
She added: "And also to provide his deposition under oath in any civil case in which his testimony may be relevant to achieving justice for the victims."
One of Epstein's accusers, Jane Doe 15, said: "For the past 16 years I have felt isolated in my experience and the lack of consequences for Epstein's actions has left me feeling no justice for me here."
She added: "This case has brought me hope that there are people who are able and willing to assist us in our efforts to heal.
"I am grateful for the help I have received, the opportunity to speak and the fact that this is not over."
She continued: "I would also like to say, that I agree with Gloria that Prince Andrew and any others who are close to Epstein should come forward and give a statement under oath on what information they have.
"All the information pertaining to and around this case is important. Just because Epstein is dead does not mean others around him don't deserve their day in court as well."
Royal Editor Chris Ship has been watching the press conference.
Andrew’s appearance on BBC’s Newsnight programme to deny allegations he had sex with an underage teenage girl and explain his friendship with the convicted sex offender, has drawn widespread condemnation but the duke is said to being standing by his decision to put his side of the story.
Saturday’s interview has been widely criticised, with commentators questioning his responses and condemning his unsympathetic tone and seeming lack of remorse over the friendship with Epstein.
Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, who interviewed the duke, has revealed the Queen gave her approval for the televised questioning.
US lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represents a woman who claims she was a victim of Epstein, told Radio 4’s Today programme Andrew should come forward to help the ongoing investigation into the disgraced American financier.
Mr Kuvin said: “As a lawyer I was rather shocked that he would go on camera like this because anything he says can be utilised in a cross examination of him later, should he choose to come forward, and actually, in an official capacity, allow himself to be interviewed by the US authorities – which I believe he should do.
“I don’t think there’s any way that a man who’s been to all three of Mr Epstein’s homes could avoid seeing what was going on in those homes, with people going in and out and young girls being shuttled in and out of those homes.”
Conflicting newspaper reports, based on sources, claim Andrew told the Queen his television appearance on BBC’s Newsnight programme was a success, while another says he expressed to friends regret at not mentioning sympathy for the women trafficked for sex by Epstein.