Sarah Ferguson on Bribery Scandal: I was Out of Control with Desperation

Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson explains what led her to accept a cash deal in exchange for offering access to her ex-husband Prince Andrew, saying that it was her substantial debt and her desire to help a friend who was in need of $38,000.

The Duchess of York was caught on camera accepting $40,000 and setting up a deal to receive more money if she would arrange an introduction to the Prince. The man said he was a huge businessman from India but was in fact a News of the World employee. Ferguson tells Oprah Winfrey she suspected he was a journalist and asked him to complete a confidentiality agreement of which he put off signing. Ferguson recalls being at the meeting, saying, "I remember as I was sitting there, I was really down to tears."

She says of going through with the deal, "I was so out of control with desperation. ... I was looking for quick fixes in the places I wouldn't normally look." Ferguson adds, "I think I've been a huge over-trusting, idiotic, stupid woman."