Michael Usher says interview with Sarah Ferguson was the ‘biggest train wreck’ ever

Channel Seven journalist Michael Usher has claimed his interview with Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was the ‘largest train wreck’ he’s ever done.

The Duchess of York stormed out of a 60 Minutes interview with Usher back in 2011, after an undercover reporter had secretly filmed her offering to sell access to Prince Andrew for £500,000 (AU$950,000).

In the wake of Prince Andrew’s car crash BBC interview over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, Usher discussed his interview with the Duchess on Triple M Sydney’s Moonman in the Morning on Friday.  

‘The largest train wreck interview I’ve ever done’: Michael Usher (left) has recalled the time he spoke to Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson (right), on 60 Minutes back in 2011. During their interview, the Duchess of York infamously stormed out while throwing a tantrum

‘I’ve interviewed her, and it was the largest train wreck interview I’ve ever done,’ Usher said, adding that the experience was ‘absolutely horrendous’.

The broadcaster, who said he would have ‘loved to have interviewed’ Prince Andrew amid the Epstein scandal, added: ‘They come into it so arrogantly, thinking “No, no, no, were above this and we’re above scrutiny”.

‘And when you start drilling in and start asking really pointed questions… she walked [out] on me three or four times. It was absolutely horrendous.’

Usher accused Fergie of having a ‘split personality’, saying: ‘They all walk in, [like] “I’m your best friend.” Then they’re like, “Oh my gosh, what is this scrutiny thing? I’ve got to answer like real people?”‘

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Buckingham Palace and Sarah Ferguson’s Australian representative for comment. 

'Horrendous':  Usher accused Fergie of having a 'split personality' when he interviewed her eight years ago

‘Absolutely horrendous’:  Usher (pictured on set of Channel Seven News) accused Fergie of having a ‘split personality’ when he interviewed her eight years ago for 60 Minutes

Usher spoke about his experience with Fergie in the wake of Prince Andrew’s bombshell interview with the BBC’s Emily Maitlis.

The Duke was grilled about his relationship with Epstein – who killed himself in prison in August – and whether he had sex with Australian ‘sex slave’ Virginia Roberts when she was underage. 

Prince Andrew denied the allegations and said he did not know Epstein was a paedophile before he was charged.

He was accused of showing a lack of empathy for Epstein’s victims and no remorse over his friendship with the financier. 

However, the royal did admit he was wrong to have met with Epstein in New York after he was freed from prison. 

After the interview, Prince Andrew met with The Queen in Buckingham Palace, where the decision was made that he should step back from public life.

Pictured: Fergie arrived at Buckingham Palace on Thursday after coming out in support of Prince Andrew in light of the backlash over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Pictured: Fergie arrived at Buckingham Palace on Thursday after coming out in support of Prince Andrew in light of the backlash over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein 

Her Majesty had earlier taken advice from Prince Charles, who is in New Zealand, who said he was becoming ‘increasingly alarmed’ that the scandal was engulfing the Royal family.

Andrew will stop being funded through public money and has been forced to step down from a number of charities and organisations. Some ended their relationship with him before he had the opportunity to step aside.

The Duchess of York, however, was all smiles when she was seen arriving at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. 

'It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty': Last Friday, Fergie threw her support behind Andrew on Instagram. Pictured in October 2019 in London

‘It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty’: Last Friday, Fergie threw her support behind Andrew on Instagram. Pictured in October 2019 in London

Last Friday, she came out in support of Andrew.

‘It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty and pure real truth, that remain steadfast and strong to their beliefs,’ she said.

‘Andrew is a true and real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness and goodness of always seeing the best in people.

‘I am deeply supportive and proud of this giant of a principled man, that dares to put his shoulder to the wind and stands firm with his sense of honour and truth. For so many years he has gone about his duties for Great Britain and the Monarch.’

The Duchess, who will no doubt have been consulted over Andrew’s decision to give the BBC an interview in a bid to clear his name, had said he should ‘stand firm’.

'I am deeply supportive and proud of this giant of a principled man': Sarah stuck up for her ex-husband in a lengthy statement to her 251,000 Instagram followers

‘I am deeply supportive and proud of this giant of a principled man’: Sarah stuck up for her ex-husband in a lengthy statement to her 251,000 Instagram followers

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