18 Nov 2019

Prince Andrew's 'omni-shambles' won't end Epstein scandal - expert

From Morning Report, 8:40 am on 18 November 2019

The Duke of York has "categorically" denied having any sexual contact with a woman who says she was forced to have sex with him when she was 17.

Prince Andrew has given his first detailed interview in response to the allegations and about his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

However, media commentators say the decision to take part in the interview with the BBC could backfire.

Mark Stephens, a media lawyer in the UK, told Corin Dann the hour long sit down with Emily Maitlis was a disaster.

"This interview can only be regarded as an omni-shambles. It was a train wreck of gargantuan proportions."

Mr Stephens said people should think twice before following the Prince's footsteps, and Andrew probably shouldn't have done it in the first place.

"If you're going to develop this strategy and as a reputation management lawyer, I can tell you that you only do this, if you've got an absolute answer to every single question. The problem here is that he knew going in he didn't have an answer to every question."