Virginia Giuffre, Advocate and Survivor, Dies at 41

 Western Australia, April 26, 2025 — Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and a leading voice against sexual abuse and trafficking, has died at the age of 41. Her family confirmed in a statement on Saturday that Giuffre took her own life at her farm in Western Australia, where she had lived for several years.

"It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia," the statement read. "She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. In the end, the toll of abuse became unbearable."

Giuffre rose to international prominence after publicly accusing Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, of grooming and sexually abusing her from her teenage years. She also alleged she was trafficked to Prince Andrew, claims the prince has consistently denied.

Her family remembered her as a "fierce warrior" against sexual abuse and trafficking, describing her as a "light that lifted so many survivors." They added, "Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure."

Giuffre is survived by her three children — Christian, Noah, and Emily — who her family said were the "light of her life." They recalled that it was the birth of her daughter that strengthened Virginia’s resolve to fight back against her abusers.

"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," the family said.

Her lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, paid tribute, calling Giuffre "more than a client," and "an incredible champion for other victims." McCawley added, "Her courage pushed me to fight harder. The world has lost an amazing human being today."

Dini von Mueffling, Giuffre’s representative, described her as "deeply loving, wise, and funny," and "a beacon to other survivors." Von Mueffling added, "It was the privilege of a lifetime to represent her."

Josh Schiffer, an attorney representing another of Epstein’s victims, emphasized Giuffre’s crucial role in bringing Epstein’s crimes to light. "The case wouldn’t have existed without her bravery. Her loss should inspire greater efforts to confront the ongoing global epidemic of sex trafficking," he said.

According to Western Australia Police, emergency services responded to a call around 9:50 p.m. on Friday regarding an unresponsive woman at a home in Neergabby, approximately 75 kilometers north of Perth. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that her death is not considered suspicious but will be formally investigated.

Earlier this month, Giuffre had posted on social media that she was facing significant health struggles following a car accident involving a school bus. While police confirmed an incident occurred on March 24, no injuries had initially been reported.

Born in the United States, Giuffre first met Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 while working at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Offered a job as Epstein’s massage therapist, she later revealed she was trafficked to Epstein’s influential associates, describing her ordeal as being "passed around like a platter of fruit."

Under the pseudonym "Jane Doe 102," Giuffre filed a 2009 civil lawsuit against Epstein, reaching a settlement before the case went to trial. In 2021, she filed a separate civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew in New York, alleging sexual assault when she was 17 — allegations the prince has vehemently denied.

Virginia Giuffre’s legacy as an advocate and a voice for countless survivors of sexual exploitation endures. Her courage in the face of unimaginable adversity has left an indelible mark on the global fight against sex trafficking.