Virginia Giuffre, Advocate Against Abuse, Dies at 41

Virginia Giuffre, who had accused Britain’s Prince Andrew of abuse during her teenage years, has passed away by suicide, her family reported. She was 41 years old.

Police confirmed that emergency responders discovered an unresponsive woman at her residence near Perth, Western Australia, on Friday evening. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities stated that her death is not considered suspicious.

Giuffre, a mother to three children, was notably one of the key accusers against the infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2019, she accused Epstein of trafficking her and forcing her to engage in sexual activities with his associates, including Prince Andrew, when she was just 17.

She further asserted that the prince knew she was underage according to U.S. law at the time.

Prince Andrew has consistently dismissed these allegations.

“With profoundly heavy hearts, we share that Virginia departed from this world last night at her farm in Western Australia,” said her family’s statement.

“She succumbed to suicide after enduring a lifetime of sexual abuse and trafficking.”

“Virginia was a formidable advocate in the struggle against sexual exploitation and trafficking. She was a beacon of hope for countless survivors.”

“Ultimately, the burden of her trauma outweighed her ability to bear it.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, support is available. In the U.S., reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Worldwide, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide offer contacts for crisis support services globally.