Prince Andrew (60) goes on the offensive in the case of the late Jeffrey Epstein: through his team of lawyers, the Duke of York has now publicly defended himself against the allegations that, despite previous assurances, he would not cooperate with investigators in the United States.
"The Duke of York has offered to support the DOJ (Department of Justice) as a witness on at least three occasions this year," said a statement quoting, among others, the British "BBC". However, the DOJ did not respond to the first two offers. Instead, prosecutor Geoffrey Berman, who is investigating the Eppstein case in New York, went public and pilloried Prince Andrew. "They may be looking for the public rather than accepting the help offered," said Andrews lawyers.
The Duke does "zero cooperation"?
Berman had said in early March, according to the British Guardian, that Prince Andrew had "completely closed the door" to voluntary cooperation and would "zero cooperation". Andrew had meant in Novemberthat he was ready to assist officially investigating authorities should this become necessary.
Epstein was accused of abusing numerous minors and forcing prostitution. He committed suicide in prison in August 2019. There are also allegations against Prince Andrew. One of the victims, Virginia Giuffre, claims that she was forced to have sex with him three times. The Royal denies the allegations.