INSIDE EDITION reports on the sting operation that caught Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, on a hidden camera taking money in exchange for access to her ex-husband Prince Andrew.
A chaotic scene in Los Angeles as Fergie is confronted after she was caught on camera accepting a $750,000 bribe.
Fifty-year-old Fergie looked a wreck. She wore no make-up and nervously chewed on a finger nail. The bribery scandal is front page news in the U.S.
Simon Cowell said she was brave to even turn up at the event where she received an award for her charity work.
"She's a trooper. She didn't have to be here tonight," said Cowell.
The bribery scandal began in an opulent room in The Mark, a five star Manhattan hotel.
A journalist posing as a businessman met Fergie there and she allegedly asked for a down payment of $40,000 on what would ultimately be a $750,000 demand. It was the be the first of three sit-down meetings with the greedy Duchess.
On hidden camera, the journalist asked Fergie, "Is that a deal?"
"Yeah," said Fegie, as they shake hands.
In a follow-up meeting in London, the Duchess of York was caught on hidden camera accepting a payment in exchange for access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew. He's fourth in line to the British throne.
"$500,000 when you can to me, and it opens doors," said Fergie.
As they talk about paying $40,000 in cash up front she makes a 'gimme' gesture with her hands.
And when the money is laid out in front of her she appears to be in tears. The question is, are they tears of joy or shame?
At one point, she makes it clear that Prince Andrew doesn't take money, saying on hidden camera, "He does not, will not, and he is complete whiter than white."
Fergie admitted everything, issuing a statement saying, "My financial situtation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgement and I am very sorry."
Fergie lives a jet-set lifestyle. She recently strode down the runway at a fashion show in New York. She was also a Weight Watchers spokesperson for ten years.
Now some say she may have to quit Britain for good and live in the U.S.
