Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, has tragically died by suicide at the age of 41. Her family confirmed the news on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of a “fierce warrior” who spent much of her life advocating for survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
In a statement to People, Giuffre’s family described her as “the light that lifted so many survivors,” highlighting her resilience and the profound impact she had on those around her. “Virginia was a beacon of courage and love, and despite the immense adversity she faced, she shone brightly. Her children Christian, Noah, and Emily were the light of her life,” the family added.
Her attorney, Sigrid McCawley, shared an emotional tribute, calling Giuffre “more than just a client” and praising her strength in the fight against sexual abuse. “Her courage inspired me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring. The world has lost an extraordinary human being,” McCawley said. “Rest in peace, my sweet angel.”
The tragic news follows a period of health struggles for Giuffre. Earlier this year, she made headlines when she claimed to have been hit by a school bus and was reportedly left with “days to live.” In late March, she shared a hospital selfie on Instagram, describing it as “the worst start to a new year.” However, the Western Australia Police Force later disputed her claims, stating that they received a report of a “minor crash” involving a bus and a car in Neergabby, with no injuries reported.
Virginia Giuffre/Instagram
Giuffre’s health and the controversy surrounding her incident added to the challenges she faced in the years after her legal battle with Prince Andrew. In 2021, she filed a lawsuit against the Duke of York, accusing him of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager, part of the notorious Epstein trafficking ring. The case was settled out of court in 2022 for an estimated $12 million. Prince Andrew denied the allegations, but the scandal led to him being stripped of his military titles by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Virginia Giuffre’s legacy will be remembered for her bravery and unwavering commitment to exposing the truth about the horrors of sex trafficking.
