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Virginia Giuffre, known for accusing Britain's Prince Andrew and other powerful figures of sexual exploitation during her teenage years as a trafficking victim of financier Jeffrey Epstein, has died at the age of 41. Her death, confirmed by her publicist, was reported to be a suicide, occurring at her farm in Western Australia.
In a statement, Giuffre's family characterized her as a "fierce warrior" in the battle against sexual abuse and trafficking. They described her as a source of light for many survivors, noting the adversity she faced throughout her life. Her publicist, Dini von Mueffling, shared her sentiments about Giuffre, highlighting her loving nature, wisdom, and deep care for others, especially her children and animals.
Giuffre, originally from the United States but residing in Australia for several years, became a prominent advocate for sex trafficking survivors. She was thrust into the spotlight as a key witness in the unfolding scandal surrounding Epstein, who died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving numerous underage girls. The investigation into Epstein's actions had initially begun in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was known to have sexually abused teenage girls.
Giuffre publicly came forward after Epstein secured a controversial plea deal in 2008 that resulted in an 18-month jail term for lesser state charges. In her lawsuits, Giuffre portrayed herself as a teenage spa attendant at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's Palm Beach club, when she met Epstein's girlfriend and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. She alleged that Maxwell recruited her under the guise of massage therapy, only to force her into sexual servitude for Epstein and his friends.
Throughout her claims, Giuffre alleged she was transported around the world to satisfy the sexual demands of Epstein's high-profile associates, including Prince Andrew, whom she accused of abusing her when she was 17 and 18 years old. While the prince denied Giuffre's allegations and questioned her credibility, she provided documentation and witness testimony to support her claims. A notable piece of evidence included a photograph of Giuffre with Prince Andrew in Maxwell's London residence.
Giuffre stated that she had sexual encounters with Andrew on three occasions—in London, New York, and the Virgin Islands. In 2022, Andrew reached a settlement with Giuffre, agreeing to a "substantial donation" to her charity for survivors of abuse, acknowledging her as a "victim of abuse." Despite Andrew's denials, his media appearances, particularly a November 2019 BBC interview, further damaged his reputation until he ultimately stepped back from royal duties.
Giuffre's battle for justice included multiple claims against Epstein and others connected to his trafficking network. Although Epstein’s death precluded formal criminal accountability, Maxwell was ultimately convicted on sex trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison, though she maintained her innocence regarding Epstein's actions.
Giuffre had experienced significant personal challenges; she revealed that her childhood was marred by abuse. She eventually married and settled in Australia, where she founded the advocacy charity SOAR in 2015 to support victims of sexual exploitation. Recently, she was hospitalized following a serious accident, which her publicist detailed, omitting specifics but hinting at a severe impact on her health.
Virginia Giuffre is survived by her three children, who were described as the "light of her life." Sigrid McCawley, her attorney, expressed deep sorrow over Giuffre’s passing, emphasizing her courageous spirit and enduring strength, which inspired those around her.
The AP does not identify individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault unless they have publicly come forward.
