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Topics: World News, US News, Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, Australia, UK News, Virginia Giuffre
Ben Smith
Topics: World News, US News, Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, Australia, UK News, Virginia Giuffre
Virginia Giuffre, who settled a sexual assault lawsuit against Prince Andrew after alleging she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to the Royal at 17, has died aged 41.
Her publicist confirmed she died at her home in Australia on Friday (25 April).
"It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce that Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia. She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking," her family's statement said.
It continued: “Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors.
“Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure.”
She was a prominent voice speaking out against Jeffrey Epstein, alleging she had been groomed and sexually assaulted by the disgraced financier and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
She settled a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew out of court in 2022. The Duke of York denies all accusations and made no admission of wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Western Australia Police said they were called to a home on Friday night, where Virginia was found unresponsive.
It's statement said: "The death is being investigated by Major Crime detectives; early indication is the death is not suspicious."
Last month Ms Giuffre was hospitalised following an accident, which gained world attention after she posted her face injuries on Instagram stating she had 'days to live'.
Her publicist Dini von Mueffling described Giuffre as 'deeply loving, wise and funny'.
She said: “She adored her children and many animals. She was always more concerned with me than with herself.
“I will miss her beyond words. It was the privilege of a lifetime to represent her.”
She is survived by three children, her family statement said, 'the light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily'.
It continued: "It was when she held her newborn daughter in her arms that Virginia realised she had to fight back against those who had abused her and so many others.
"There are no words that can express the grave loss we feel today with the passing of our sweet Virginia.
"She was heroic and will always be remembered for her incredible courage and loving spirit.
"In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight. We know that she is with the angels."
Virginia dedicated herself to supporting survivors of sexual trafficking, after coming forward in the investigation against Jeffrey Epstein and becoming a central voice in his downfall.
Epstein killed himself in August 2019 while awaiting trial on US federal sex trafficking charges involving dozens of teenage girls and young women, some as young as 14.
The charges came 14 years after police in Palm Beach, Florida, first began investigating allegations he sexually abused underage girls who were hired to give him massages.
Following sexual assault accusations against Prince Andrew when she was just 17, in which she sued on multiple charges including battery, rape, and the infliction of emotional distress in a case back in August 2021 - she settled out of court.
Ms Giuffre released a joint statement with Prince Andrew. It read: “Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out of court settlement.
"The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre's receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed). Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights.
“Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.
"He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims.”
Prince Andrew has denied the claims and has not been charged with any criminal offences.
Her legal team stated that she was a 'frightened, vulnerable child with no one there to protect her' at the time of the alleged crimes, further stating that 'no person, whether President or Prince, is above the law'.
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