Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Fergie and the tycoon accused of sex offences
Duchess lands eco role alongside investor who faces groping claims
DUCHESS of York Sarah Ferguson flashes her trademark beaming smile as she stands alongside a life coach accused of sexual offences.
The image shows Prince Andrew’s ex-wife after she took a job working with a renewable energy firm in which self-help guru Tony Robbins is an investor.
US-based entrepreneur and motivational speaker Mr Robbins was recently forced to deny allegations he groped women and told audience members at self-help events to touch themselves sexually.
It was revealed earlier this year that a series of former staff claimed he exposed himself and sexually harassed them over 30 years.
Mr Robbins, worth a reported £500million, was also accused of racial slurs during presentations to followers – which his lawyers describe as “absurd and false”.
The Duchess, mother to princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, took the job as brand ambassador for renewable energy firm Pegasus Holdings earlier this month.
She published the photo with Mr Robbins, 59, at the launch of a new solar power project.
GRATEFUL
Fergie, 59, told social media followers: “Delighted to be an ambassador for Pegasus Group Holdings. As a Philanthrepreneur from the heart... I hope to take these mobile solar units to Africa.” Following the accusations against Mr Robbins one follower replied: “Great work, but ditch Tony.” Chairman Jay Bloom said: “Pegasus Global Holdings is grateful to have the support of Tony Robbins, an investor, and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, our brand ambassador, as we seek to provide scalable environmentally friendly energy production to the world. Tony has openly and vehemently denied false allegations made against him and we believe his 40-year history of working tirelessly to serve and help people around the world stands for itself.
“We are proud and honoured to be associated with both Tony and Sarah, two individuals who have and continue to seek to make the world a better place.”
A representative for the Duchess of York declined to comment. News of her association with Mr Robbins came as she flew to Spain with the Duke of York after he faced fresh allegations over his links to paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein, who hanged himself in a US jail.
The Duke and Duchess were seen landing by private jet in Malaga last week. They went to the luxury Sotogrande resort, which they have visited together
since 2009. alan.selby@ mirror.co.uk