Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. According to a statement from her family, Giuffre took her own life in the Perth suburb of Neergabby, Australia, where she had been living for several years. Her family expressed their grief, stating that she had been a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, and that the weight of her trauma had ultimately become unbearable.
Giuffre’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her, particularly from those she inspired in her fight against sexual abuse and trafficking. Her family described her as a “fierce warrior” for victims’ rights and praised her for being a beacon of light for other survivors. Her passing has been confirmed by police, who responded to an emergency call on Friday night at her property. Despite efforts to revive her, she was declared deceased at the scene. Early investigations suggest no foul play was involved, but the death is still under investigation by Major Crime detectives.
Giuffre’s journey into the public eye began with her accusations against Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. In 2021, she sued the Duke, alleging that he had sexually abused her when she was 17 years old, a claim that was connected to the notorious financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre said she had been trafficked by Epstein and introduced to Prince Andrew by Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted of federal sex trafficking charges.
Despite Giuffre’s claims, Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not faced any criminal charges. In 2022, Giuffre and the Duke reached a financial settlement, which was reported to include a substantial donation to Giuffre’s charity supporting victims of sexual abuse.
Throughout her life, Giuffre remained an outspoken advocate for victims of sex trafficking. Her attorney, Sigrid McCawley, expressed deep sorrow at her death, calling Giuffre “a dear friend and an incredible champion for other victims.” McCawley remembered Giuffre’s courage and strength, which pushed her to fight harder in the pursuit of justice for others. Dini von Mueffling, another representative of Giuffre, described her as “one of the most extraordinary human beings” she had ever known. She highlighted Giuffre’s deep love for her children and animals, and her selflessness in caring for others.
Giuffre’s advocacy work included the founding of SOAR, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of sex trafficking. She often shared her personal story of abuse, emphasizing that she had overcome her past to become a survivor. She dedicated much of her life to helping others in similar situations, stating that she no longer saw herself as a vulnerable victim but as someone who had found strength and resilience.
In her final years, Giuffre faced continued health struggles, including a car accident in March 2025 that led to a diagnosis of kidney renal failure. Despite this setback, she remained active in her advocacy work and continued to inspire others with her courage. Giuffre’s death marks the end of a chapter in the ongoing battle against sex trafficking, but her legacy as a survivor and a champion for victims will endure.
