Virginia Giuffre, an advocate and survivor of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal, has died by suicide at 41. Her family confirmed her passing on Friday at her farm in Western Australia. They said the lifelong impact of sexual abuse and trafficking became too much for her to bear.
Giuffre, a dual citizen of the US and Australia, was known for her bravery in speaking out against Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and other powerful individuals she accused of sexual exploitation. As a teenager, she was tricked into Epstein’s circle under the false promise of becoming a professional masseuse.
Instead, she was trafficked to wealthy and influential men, including Britain’s Prince Andrew. She was the first Epstein victim to reveal her identity publicly, encouraging other survivors to come forward and seek justice.
Her notable legal actions included a defamation lawsuit against Epstein, which she won, and a sexual assault lawsuit against Prince Andrew, which was settled out of court in 2022. Giuffre’s testimony helped lead to Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction and raised awareness about Epstein’s network.
In recent years, Giuffre lived in Australia with her husband, Robert, and their three children. Although she appeared strong in public and fought for others, she expressed struggles with her health and the trauma from her experiences. Her family described her as a “fierce warrior” and a light for other survivors, but the weight of her past became too heavy to handle.
Virginia Giuffre leaves a legacy of courage and advocacy for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking. Her work was crucial in bringing Epstein’s enablers to justice and highlighting the struggles faced by survivors worldwide.
She is survived by her children, whom her family called “the light of her life.” Many advocates, survivors, and supporters around the world are mourning her death.