Virginia Giuffre, known for her allegations against Prince Andrew, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating she took her own life at her farm in Neergabby, Australia, where she had lived for several years.
In a statement, her family expressed their deep sorrow, saying, "Virginia lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking." They described her as a "fierce warrior" in the fight against these issues, highlighting her role in supporting other survivors.
Emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive woman at her property on a Friday night. Despite efforts from police and medical personnel, she was declared dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of her death, but early indications suggest it was not suspicious.
Giuffre was a prominent figure in the fight against sexual abuse. She famously accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, claiming he had sex with her when she was just 17 years old, after being trafficked by his associate, Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations and has not faced any criminal charges related to them. In March 2022, Giuffre and Andrew reached a settlement in a civil case, which included a donation to her charity supporting victims’ rights.
Her attorney, Sigrid McCawley, remembered Giuffre as more than just a client, calling her a dear friend and an incredible advocate for other victims. She praised Giuffre’s courage and strength, saying the world has lost an extraordinary person.
Giuffre had a challenging upbringing, having experienced abuse from a family friend in her youth. She met Ghislaine Maxwell, who introduced her to Epstein, leading to years of trauma and exploitation. Despite this, Giuffre found strength and resilience. After moving to Australia and starting a family, she founded the charity SOAR in 2015 to help other victims of sex trafficking.
Her passing is a significant loss to many who looked up to her as a symbol of survival and strength in the face of adversity. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy and support for those affected by similar experiences.