Another setback for Sarah Ferguson, nicknamed “the spendthrift” in the United States. Despite the likely commercial appeal, several U.S. publishers have declined to publish a memoir about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Although the book might sell well and Ferguson reportedly sought $2 million, publishers say they will not profit from the Epstein affair. Their stated reasons include sensitivity to the victims and the reputational risks of appearing to exploit a high-profile criminal case.

According to Hollywood sources quoted by the Sunday Express, no one wants to be seen as enabling someone to benefit from the Epstein scandal that has damaged many lives. The sources described Ferguson as having become commercially marginalized in the U.S., suggesting that any remaining hopes she had of sustaining a U.S. career have been extinguished. They also said publishers are guided by ethical considerations.

Ferguson previously worked in the U.S. as a correspondent for NBC’s Today show and appeared in Weight Watchers advertisements. The situation changed after disclosures about her links to Epstein. Recently released documents indicate that in July 2009 she contacted Epstein to ask him to pay for business-class flights to the U.S. to visit him shortly after his release from prison following a conviction related to procuring a minor for prostitution. The records suggest she accepted offers of free travel for herself and her daughters, and corresponded with Epstein in complimentary terms.

In 2010 Ferguson was filmed accepting 15,000 (about 17,000) to facilitate access to Prince Andrew, an episode she later attributed to financial difficulties. Although she was no longer duchess when Prince Andrew lost his military affiliations and patronages last October, she has often been perceived as maintaining expectations of a lifestyle beyond her means. Financial problems date back decades: in 1994 Queen Elizabeth II reportedly intervened to settle liabilities of around 3.7 million to avoid a public scandal, and after her 1996 divorce Ferguson continued to face financial setbacks. In 2009 her lifestyle and wellness company, Hartmoor, collapsed with debts reportedly exceeding 630,000.

Former staff from the 1990s have described a household that remained large despite claims of financial distress, employing multiple staff and maintaining lavish menus and frequent travel. Critics have characterized her spending as extravagant and recurring. With U.S. publishers declining to back a controversial memoir, it remains to be seen whether British publishers will take a different view; Ferguson has shown a willingness to pursue commercial opportunities and may attempt to publish in the U.K. despite setbacks abroad.