
Image: BBC Business
New allegations reveal Manuel Fernandez, linked to Sarah Ferguson, threatened a worker with jail over supposed royal security breaches. What’s next?
GlipzoIn a startling revelation, Manuel Fernandez, a close associate of Sarah Ferguson, has been accused of leveraging his royal connections to intimidate a former employee of his failed lifestyle app, vVoosh. A recording obtained by the BBC reveals that Fernandez allegedly threatened the worker with jail time, claiming he had jeopardized royal security by hacking emails.
The worker, referred to as Alex for confidentiality, was informed that the police would be involved due to these supposed security breaches. The implication was clear: the emails in question were likely those associated with Ferguson, who had invested in and served as an ambassador for the company. This connection, as per the claims of Alex, was used by Fernandez to bolster the company’s credibility and entice potential investors.
Fernandez, however, has vehemently denied the allegations regarding his behavior and the financial issues surrounding vVoosh, stating, "I strongly dispute a number of allegations that have been made concerning both my conduct and financial position in relation to the company." Ferguson's representatives have yet to provide a comment on the situation.
Launched in 2015 and based in the trendy Shoreditch area of London, vVoosh aimed to establish a social networking platform similar to Facebook. However, despite the ambitious vision, the app never officially launched and ultimately collapsed in 2022. Ferguson was reported to hold about 1% of the company's shares and had provided a loan of approximately £50,000 to the business, according to financial filings.
The situation raises important questions about Ferguson's associations and the potential misuse of her royal ties. The recordings, letters, and messages from Alex, who had worked for vVoosh for nearly six years as a contractor, depict a troubling environment where intimidation tactics were allegedly employed.
In June 2017, Alex received a concerning WhatsApp message from Fernandez, indicating that he had been summoned for an urgent meeting at Buckingham Palace regarding the company because of its VIP shareholders. Unbeknownst to Fernandez, Alex decided to record the meeting, fearing for his safety given the financial disputes over unpaid invoices that had left him owed thousands.
During the meeting, a man known as Mark, who later was identified as former soldier and security advisor Mark Harry, forcibly confiscated Alex's phone. Alex described the encounter, stating, "I was so scared because this guy was, like, three times my size."
In the meeting recording, Fernandez and Harry allegedly threatened Alex with imprisonment for hacking emails, insinuating that the sensitive material belonged to Ferguson. Fernandez claimed that Alex was in deep trouble, suggesting he could face up to two years in prison under the Computer Misuse Act. They even asserted that other company employees might also face severe legal consequences, with one supposedly at risk of an eight-year sentence.
In response to the allegations, Fernandez reiterated his stance, stating, "Certain concerns regarding former contractors and internal data/security matters were previously reported to the appropriate authorities and reviewed by legal advisers. To my knowledge, no action was taken against me arising from those allegations." He did not, however, clarify the identity of Harry at the meeting, referring only to him as representing “some certain VIPs.”
Harry, for his part, defended the actions taken during the meeting, stating that the matter was correctly handled by the appropriate authorities at the time. "I strongly dispute the allegations made," he asserted.
This unfolding scandal sheds light on the potential misuse of royal connections in business dealings and raises ethical concerns about the responsibilities of individuals associated with public figures. As a public figure herself, Ferguson’s involvement in vVoosh has placed her under scrutiny, particularly considering the serious nature of the allegations against Fernandez.
The implications of these events could have far-reaching consequences not only for Fernandez and Ferguson but also for how public figures engage in business ventures. The intertwining of royal status with commercial enterprises can create conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas that merit further examination.
As investigations continue, the public will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds. The future of Fernandez's professional relationships and Ferguson's reputation are at stake. How will Ferguson respond to these allegations? Will there be legal ramifications for those involved? This story is far from over, and further developments are anticipated in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles, it is crucial for Ferguson to clarify her involvement and the nature of her association with Fernandez. Moreover, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the world of business, especially when intertwined with royal connections.
Stay tuned as more details emerge surrounding this significant and troubling situation.

Zahan Kapoor reveals an unconventional role in his upcoming film, signaling a significant shift from his breakout success in Black Warrant. What’s next for this rising star?
Bollywood Hungama
Discover how Vishal Jethwa is transforming his physique for Shakti Shalini, emphasizing the mental discipline behind peak fitness.
Bollywood Hungama
Discover the dark truths of urban development in Kammatipaadam, a film that reveals the often-overlooked sacrifices behind city growth.
Indian Express