Jeffrey Epstein abuse survivor Virginia Giuffre has died aged 41, her family have confirmed.
Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault before settling her civil case with the Duke of York in February 2022, took her own life at her home in Western Australia.
In a statement to NBC News on Friday night, Giuffre’s family said: “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.
Virginia Giuffre
REUTERS
“Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors.
“In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight.”
Giuffre became a campaigner against sexual abuse and sex trafficking after emerging as one of Epstein’s most vocal victims.
She alleged she had been groomed and sexually abused by the New York financier and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Prince Andrew
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Jeffrey EpsteinREUTERSGiuffre was only a teenager when the abuse started, having met Maxwell, a British socialite, in 2000.
Maxwell offered her a job as massage therapist to Epstein, during which Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to the financier’s friends and clients – “passed around like a platter of fruit”.
In a 2009 lawsuit, Giuffre alleged Epstein and Maxwell had introduced her to Prince Andrew in 2001.
In a separate civil lawsuit, Giuffre alleged Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her on three occasions when she was 17.
A photograph that claims to show Prince Andrew meeting Virginia Giuffre several years agoGettyThe Duke of York repeatedly and strongly denied the accusations.
Andrew and Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed sum in 2022, meaning Andrew made no admission of guilt.
The family added: “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.”
Virginia Giuffre (right) photographed at an event in 2019GettyGiuffre’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, also said she was “much more than a client”.
“She was a dear friend and an incredible champion for other victims. Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring,” McCawley said.
“The world has lost an amazing human being today. Rest in peace, my sweet angel.”
The 41-year-old’s representative Dini von Mueffling added: “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.”
Giuffre had been involved in a car crash just weeks before her death, with Western Australia Police confirming an incident involving a bus on March 24.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
