Prince Andrew says he didn’t ‘witness or suspect’ criminal behavior from Epstein

Britain’s Prince Andrew on Saturday released a statement saying he did not “witness or suspect” any criminal behavior from the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein when the two spent time together. 

The Duke of York, in a statement carried by multiple news outlets, called it a “mistake” to meet Epstein after Epstein was released from prison in 2010. 

“During the time I knew him, I saw him infrequently and probably no more than only once or twice a year,” he said. {mosads}

“I have stayed in a number of his residences. At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction,” he added. 

Prince Andrew also denied participating in “exploitation” of human beings. 

“I deplore the exploitation of any human being and would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behaviour,” he said. 

The prince also said he had “tremendous sympathy” for Epstein’s victims. 

“His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure,” he said. 

Epstein had been accused of paying underage girls for sexual acts between 2002 and 2005 and died in jail. New York City’s Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. 

The financier had previously been convicted of separate sexual misconduct charges in 2008. He has been linked to other powerful figures including President Trump and former President Bill Clinton, although both have denied wrongdoing.