In April 2011, messages exchanged between Epstein, Sarah Ferguson, and her spokesperson James Henderson suggest that Fergie's words to a journalist sparked controversy. She had referred to Epstein as a "paedophile" - a term that angered Epstein. Ferguson wrote to him, saying she had to "protect her brand", but did not want to hurt him further. Afterward, she called the reporter back and admitted that her choice of words had been a mistake, despite Epstein having a prior conviction. Ferguson stressed that Beatrice had been a witness to the phone call.