During that interview, Ferguson promised to “never have anything to do with” Epstein again, referring to a $30,000 loan from the billionaire as “a gigantic error of judgement”.

Ferguson ‘humbly apologises’ to Epstein

But in her later email, Ferguson said: “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that.”

Among the charities that have distanced themselves are the British Heart Foundation, Julia’s House children’s hospice, the Children’s Literacy Charity, a prominent food allergy foundation, the Prevent Breast Cancer group, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

What has Ferguson said about the email?

A spokesperson for Ferguson did not comment on the charities’ decision, having earlier stated that she sent the email to Epstein to mitigate the risk of him filing a defamation lawsuit against her.