Virginia Giuffre, a well-known advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking who accused Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, has died by suicide at the age of 41. Giuffre passed away at her rural property in Western Australia, as confirmed by her family and publicist. In a statement, her relatives described her as a courageous figure in the fight against sexual violence, noting that she brought hope to many others who had suffered similar abuse. Despite enduring significant hardship throughout her life, her family emphasized how brightly she shone and how deeply she will be missed.
Originally from the United States, Giuffre had been living in Australia for several years with her husband and children, although recent reports indicated a separation after more than two decades together. She is survived by her three children, whom her family called the center of her world. Her loved ones recalled that it was after the birth of her daughter that Giuffre resolved to stand up against those who had harmed her and countless others.
Giuffre was a central figure in the legal actions against Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, alleging that she was trafficked by Epstein and sexually abused by both him and Ghislaine Maxwell. She also accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault when she was 17, a claim he has consistently denied. In 2022, Giuffre and Prince Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement, with the Duke of York making no admission of guilt and agreeing to a substantial donation to Giuffre’s charity supporting victims’ rights.
Authorities in Western Australia responded to a call at her residence on the night of her death and confirmed there were no signs of foul play. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing but that the circumstances do not appear suspicious.
Just weeks before her death, Giuffre had been hospitalized following a serious car accident, an event she shared publicly on social media. Her publicist, Dini von Mueffling, remembered her as deeply compassionate, wise, and humorous, noting her devotion to her children and animals.
Her family’s statement reflected on the immense burden Giuffre carried as a result of her experiences, expressing that the weight of her trauma ultimately became too much to bear. They described her as heroic and said her legacy would live on through her advocacy and the positive impact she made on other survivors.
Giuffre’s efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while facing federal charges for sex trafficking minors. Her legal team described her as a vulnerable young woman at the time of the alleged offenses, emphasizing that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available through helplines such as Samaritans at 116 123.
