Sydney:
Virginia Giuffre, who accused U.S. investor Jeffrey Epstein and British sexual abuse Prince Andrew of stigmatizing her life in her Australian home, her family said Saturday.
“It is totally tragic to announce that Virginia had passed away last night on a farm in Western Australia,” the family said in a statement provided to AFP by her agents.
“She lost her life due to suicide after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sexual trafficking.”
Giuffre, a citizen of the United States and Australia, was 41 years old.
She accused late billionaire Epstein of using her as a sexual slave.
Prince Andrew repeatedly denied allegations of sexual assault at the age of 17 and avoided trial by paying a multi-million-dollar settlement.
“There is no word that can describe the serious loss we feel today when our sweet Virginia dies,” the family recalled her “incredible courage and loving spirit.”
“In the end, the abuse victims were so heavy that it was unbearable for Virginia to handle that weight. She knows she’s with the angel.”
Giuffle had three children, Christian, Noah and Emily, “the light of her life,” her family said.
Her lawyer, Sigrid Macquarie, said that Giuffre was a “dear friend” and a champion of other victims.
“Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength sparked awe.”
New York-based agent Dini von Muyefling described her client as “one of the most extraordinary people.”
“Deeply loving, clever and funny, she was a beacon for other survivors and victims,” she said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published by Syndicate Feed.)
