Virginia Giuffre, the woman who made headlines by accusing Prince Andrew of sexual assault – allegations he has consistently denied – has tragically been found dead at her Australian farm at the age of 41.
On Saturday, her family confirmed the devastating news that Virginia had taken her own life after enduring a “lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking”.
In their heartfelt statement, the family described her as a “fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking”.
They expressed their sorrow, saying: “She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. 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.”
They 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.”
Giuffre’s battle with Prince Andrew reached a global audience in 2021 when she filed a lawsuit against him for sexual abuse, alleging that she was forced to have sex with the duke at age 17, having been trafficked by the now-deceased billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew has vehemently denied them and has not faced any criminal charges.
In March 2022, a private settlement was reached between Ms Giuffre and Andrew, which included a “substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity in support of victims’ rights”, although Andrew maintained his denial of all allegations.
Following the settlement, the US-born Ms Giuffre emerged as a leading figure advocating for the rights of sexual abuse victims and became synonymous with the Me Too movement, reports the Express.
In recent years, Ms Giuffre has resided with her family on a farm in the suburb of North Perth, but it’s now uncertain if she remains with her husband, Robert.
The speculation comes as, just last month, Ms Giuffre touched hearts with an emotional post on Instagram, lamenting the loss of her children, Christian, Noah, and Emily, suggesting they were taken from her.
Uploading photos of her little ones, she shared: “I miss them so very much. I have been through hell and back in my 41 years but this is incredibly hurting me worse than anything else.”
She continued with heartfelt distress: “My heart is shattered and every day that passes my sadness only deepens.”
Her social media was last updated on March 30, revealing images of her bruised in a hospital bed following a collision with a bus.
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