Latest news with #Giuffre
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who was Virginia Giuffre, the 'young female staff' Trump claims Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' from Mar-a-Lago?
Donald Trump is resorting to a new strategy to combat the Epstein files discourse. The US President recently claimed that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' Virginia Giuffre, along with other young spa staff, from his Mar‑a‑Lago club in Florida. For the unversed, Virginia Louise Giuffre (formerly known as Virginia Roberts), who passed away in April this year, was a victim‑turned‑activist whose allegations exposed one of the most notorious sex‑trafficking networks in modern times. Trump's latest claim about Giuffre prompted renewed scrutiny of Trump's past association with Epstein, whereas Giuffre herself had alleged that she was recruited at age 16 by Ghislaine Maxwell while working at Mar‑a‑Lago, leading to years of abuse and legal battles. Who was Virginia Giuffre? Virginia Louise Giuffre was born Virginia Roberts in August 1983, in Sacramento, California, and later moved to Palm Beach, Florida. Her father worked in maintenance at Trump's Mar‑a‑Lago club. In the summer of 2000, while working as a spa attendant and reading a massage‑therapy book, she was approached by Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell recruited the 16‑year‑old and introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein, allegedly grooming her for sex trafficking under the guise of massage training. Giuffre later described being coerced into sexual encounters with Epstein and others, under pressure and manipulation. She escaped in 2002 and became one of the most prominent accusers in legal actions against Epstein and Maxwell, including a civil lawsuit filed in 2015 under the pseudonym 'Jane Doe 3.' Later, Giuffre launched a nonprofit, first Victims Refuse Silence, later relaunched as Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR), to support survivors of sex trafficking and push for justice. In 2002, she married Australian martial arts trainer Robert Giuffre and settled in Australia, raising three children together: two sons, Christian and Noah, and a daughter, Emily. Her children were described as the "light of her life." Throughout her life, Giuffre fought to hold Epstein, Maxwell, and others accountable. Her testimony and unsealed court documents became pivotal in Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal conviction in 2021. She also sued Prince Andrew, alleging she was trafficked to him, resulting in an out-of-court settlement in 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April this year, at age 41, at her home in suburban Perth, Australia. Sharing the news with the rest of the world, her family stated that the toll of the abuse became unbearable for her. What did Trump claim On July 29, while aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump said he banished Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago after learning Epstein had hired away 'young women' working at the club's spa, including, as he believed, Virginia Giuffre. Trump recalled warning Epstein not to recruit staff and claimed he ended their friendship when the poaching continued. When reporters pressed whether Giuffre was among those employees, Trump said, as reported by PEOPLE, "He took people that worked for me. And I told him, 'Don't do it anymore.' And he did it." When asked if Giuffre was one of these employees, the president said, "I think she worked at the spa... I think so. I think that was one of the people. He stole her, and by the way, she had no complaints about us, as you know, none whatsoever." Trump also claimed that Giuffre never had complaints about Mar‑a‑Lago during her employment. Now, Trump's framing of Epstein 'stealing' Giuffre adds a new political twist to their equation and past association, which are already under scrutiny. relationship. It also seems like a viable reasoning to suggest that his falling out with Epstein around the early 2000s stemmed from workplace recruitment concerns, not misconduct, as earlier stated. However, it may be argued that Trump's narrative is a purposeful shift to deflect scrutiny from his own past ties with Epstein, including a widely publicized 2002 remark praising him. However, Virginia Giuffre's life and legacy transcend any claim by Trump or others. She was a survivor who brought global attention to an abusive trafficking network, fought tirelessly for justice, and became an epitome of resilience and quiet strength. Though she tragically died in 2025, her advocacy work and public testimony steered the much-needed attention on Epstein, Maxwell, and allegations implicating powerful individuals. She inspired many survivors to come forward, and her nonprofit continues supporting others impacted by trauma. Trump's assertion that Epstein 'stole' her from Mar‑a‑Lago might open a fresh chapter in scrutiny over his connection to Epstein. However, the real focus should remain on Giuffre's incredible strength, resilience, her influence on public understanding of trafficking, and the ongoing need for transparency and justice in the wake of her passing.
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who was Virginia Giuffre and why Trump said Epstein 'stole' her from Mar-a-Lago
President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' Virginia Giuffre from his Palm Beach, Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. Virginia Giuffre (L, Photo: File) and Trump (AFP).(File & AFP) Giuffre, one of the most prominent survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was trafficked by the duo as a teenager. Before that, she worked at President Trump's Florida residence-cum-resort. Trump claims that he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after finding out that he was making inappropriate advances to young Mar-a-Lago employees. On Tuesday, Trump said Giuffre, who was working at the spa in Mar-a-Lago in the mid 2000s, was one of the victims Jeffrey Epstein allegedly 'stole' from the Trump-owned res Giuffre, who died by suicide at the age of 41, famously also accused Prince Andrew, along with Epstein and Maxwell, of sexually abusing her. They reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022, leading to Giuffre dropping the case against Prince Andrew. "Everyone knows the people that were taken," Trump said. "And it was the concept of taking people that work for me is bad. But that story's been pretty well out there. And the answer is yes, they were," Trump said, adding that many people who worked for him in the spa were also taken. "Mr. President, did one of those stolen persons, did that include Virginia Gifford?" the reporter then asks Trump. Also read: On cam: Trump hints at pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell after aide meets Epstein partner in jail? "I think she worked at the spa," Trump said. "I think that was one of the people. He stole her. And by the way, she had no complaints about us, as you know. None whatsoever." Virginia Giuffre worked at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago as a spa attendant starting in mid-2000, when she was about 16 or 17 years old. This position was obtained with help from her father who was employed there as a maintenance manager. It was her job before she was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell to work for Epstein. Giuffre met Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago while working as a spa locker room attendant in the summer of mid-2000.
7NEWS
6 days ago
- 7NEWS
Virginia Giuffre: Epstein's most prominent Aussie accuser left her children four houses and a small fortune
Sex-trafficking survivor Virginia Giuffre died without a valid will, despite having amassed a small fortune which included civil lawsuit settlements and a multi-million dollar property portfolio in Australia. The Nightly can reveal that an application has been made to the Supreme Court of WA for Letters of Administration because the high-profile sexual abuse campaigner had not left a valid will or appointed an executor of her estate. The probate application is currently in the 'requisition' stage, which is where the court Registrar writes to the applicant to advise them of any problems with the application and tell them what they must do to remedy the issues. The West Australian has previously revealed that in early June, Giuffre's sons – Christian and Noah – had published a public notice in the WA Government Gazette calling for creditors. Giuffre, 41, is believed to have died from suicide at a rural property in Western Australia on April 25. Giuffre's step-brother Sky, who was visiting from the United States, reportedly found her unresponsive and performed CPR before emergency services arrived. At the time, WA Police said its major crime squad detectives were investigating the death but that it appeared non-suspicious. This week, the WA Coroner's office told The Nightly that Giuffre's death had since been referred to the Coroner's Court. 'The Court is investigating the circumstances surrounding Ms Giuffre's death,' a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. 'The Court does not make public those investigations but will inform the senior next of kin of those investigations.' Giuffre, who had recently reverted to her maiden name of Roberts, was one of the most prominent accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The mother-of-three successfully sued Epstein in 2015, alleging that he and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, had sex-trafficked her when she was just 16 years old in 2000. She also accused Prince Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. The Duke, who repeatedly denied the claims, paid Giuffre an estimated £7.3million ($15 million) in an out-of-court settlement in February 2022 without accepting any liability. The fierce advocate for abuse victims is believed to have amassed considerable wealth in recent years. Giuffre and her husband had paid cash for four properties in WA before they split. The couple had bought three properties, all within a few kilometres of each other, in Perth's northern suburbs. In mid-2020, they purchased a palatial six-bedroom home with stunning ocean views in the beachside suburb of Ocean Reef for $1.9 million. In August 2022 the couple purchased, in their company name, a six-bedroom house in Heathridge for $865,000. In October 2022 they paid $895,000 for a five-bedroom property in the nearby suburb of Connolly. And in July 2023, the couple paid $1.2 million for a 16.48ha rural retreat at Neergabby, about an hour north of Perth. The Neergabby property had been re-listed for sale in August, September and October 2022, which indicates the couple may have briefly tried to sell it – for the same price – before taking it off the market. Property records show all four of the couple's properties are 'owner-occupied' and mortgage-free. Following her marriage breakdown, the American-born activist moved into the couple's farmhouse at Neergabby, where she later died. This comes as President Donald Trump struggled on Wednesday to contain the fallout from his administration's decision not to release the Epstein files, as Republicans in the House went home for August instead of grappling with the issue and a Florida court declined to release grand jury testimony from the case. And a new report in the Wall Street Journal describes how Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy informed the President in May that his name appeared 'multiple times' in the files, along with those of 'many people' who socialised with Epstein. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Lifeline: 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.
News18
13-07-2025
- News18
The Woman Who Took On Jeffrey Epstein: Why Virginia Giuffre's Story Refuses To Fade
Last Updated: She stood up to Epstein, took legal aim at Prince Andrew, and died by suicide in 2025. Virginia Giuffre's name remains inseparable from a scandal that shook the global elite Her name shook palaces, courtrooms, and political circles, and even in death, Virginia Giuffre refuses to fade from global headlines. Once a teenage victim in one of the most far-reaching sex trafficking scandals of the 21 st century, she helped expose how power protected predators. From elite universities to Buckingham Palace, Giuffre's allegations ripped through institutions once thought untouchable. And now, with the Trump administration declaring that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a so-called 'client list,' her story has returned to the spotlight. Virginia Giuffre's story isn't just one of survival; it significantly shaped the public's understanding of sex trafficking involving the global elite. From the moment she stepped forward with allegations against Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew to the renewed debate following her tragic death in 2025, Giuffre's name has remained linked to a case that continues to provoke international attention. Who Was Virginia Giuffre? Virginia Louise Roberts was born in 1983 in Sacramento, California, and raised in Florida. She experienced a difficult childhood marked by instability, including time in foster care and episodes of homelessness. At 16, she began working as a locker room attendant at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. According to her own accounts and legal filings, it was there that she encountered Ghislaine Maxwell, who later introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, later convicted of trafficking offences, allegedly recruited Giuffre under the pretence of providing job opportunities and financial support. 'My whole life revolved around just pleasing these men and keeping Ghislaine and Jeffrey happy. Their whole entire lives revolved around sex." — Virginia Giuffre, from her 2016 deposition, as cited by The Washington Post. She alleged that she was trafficked across state and international lines to provide sexual services to men in Epstein's circle. Among the individuals she named was Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Giuffre claimed she was trafficked to him as a minor, including an alleged incident in London when she was 17. A photograph of Giuffre, Prince Andrew, and Ghislaine Maxwell taken during that period received global media attention. Prince Andrew has denied the allegations. Giuffre also accused attorney Alan Dershowitz, though both parties later dropped legal action, with Giuffre stating she may have been mistaken in her identification. From Lawsuits To Public Testimony In a 2019 interview with NBC's Dateline, Giuffre had said, 'I was trafficked to politicians and academics and royalty." Giuffre was one of the first victims to bring legal action against Epstein, filing a civil suit in 2009 under the alias Jane Doe 102. She went public with her identity by 2015 and began speaking out about the broader implications of Epstein's trafficking operations. A 2019 interview with the BBC's 'Panorama" marked a turning point in public perception. In the interview, Giuffre detailed the alleged abuse she endured and the network of powerful figures she claimed were complicit. The interview sparked public and legal scrutiny that contributed to further lawsuits and the unsealing of previously confidential documents. In 2021, she filed a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew in the United States. The case was settled out of court in 2022. Although the Duke of York did not admit to any wrongdoing, the royal family faced intense criticism, and Andrew was stripped of official duties. 'I want justice. I want accountability. And I want people to know the truth about what happened to me and so many others," she had said in her 2019 BBC Panorama interview. Advocacy And Public Outreach Beyond the courtroom, Giuffre worked as an advocate for other survivors. She founded the nonprofit organisation SOAR (Speak Out, Act, Reclaim), which focuses on helping victims of human trafficking. She also appeared in documentaries, including Netflix's 'Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich," where she recounted her experiences. Her testimony was considered important during the investigation and conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty in 2021 on five of six federal counts, including sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy. Maxwell was sentenced in June 2022 to 20 years in prison. Death In 2025 Jeffrey Epstein died in August 2019 while in federal custody. His death was ruled a suicide by official investigations, though it has remained a source of public skepticism. On April 25, 2025, Giuffre died by suicide at her residence in Neergabby, Western Australia, at the age of 41. She had reportedly been hospitalised weeks earlier following a car accident and was suffering from kidney failure. Authorities ruled out foul play, and her family noted that her physical and emotional health had sharply declined in the months leading up to her death. Her passing prompted tributes from survivors' advocacy groups, legal experts, and journalists who had followed her case. Her role in bringing global attention to sex trafficking networks was widely acknowledged. The 'Client List' Debate The so-called 'Epstein client list" is often cited in media and online discussions. In reality, the term refers broadly to Epstein's seized phone books, flight logs, and contact lists—many of which contain names of acquaintances, business associates, and public figures. However, no definitive government-verified list of individuals implicated in criminal activity has ever been released. Renewed Scrutiny Over Epstein Investigation On July 8, 2025, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and FBI concluded that Epstein did not have a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life, contradicting long-held conspiracy theories about the infamous case. While campaigning last year, President Donald Trump promised to release files relating to the disgraced financier. According to a two-page DoJ and FBI memo, investigators found no 'incriminating list" of clients and 'no credible evidence" that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals. Democrats Demand Trump-Related Epstein Files On July 8, 2025, House Democrats escalated pressure on the Justice Department by demanding the release of all documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation that mention or reference President Donald Trump. In a formal letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Congressman Jamie Raskin and 15 other members of the House Judiciary Committee accused the DoJ of 'concealing evidence of potential criminal wrongdoing by President Trump." The letter cited mounting public concern and pointed to a now-deleted post by Elon Musk, which had claimed that Trump was named in the sealed Epstein files. The lawmakers argued that full transparency was essential to restore public trust in the justice system. The Continuing Questions top videos View all With Jeffrey Epstein dead, Ghislaine Maxwell incarcerated, and Virginia Giuffre no longer alive, the full truth about the network they were part of may never emerge. Giuffre's testimony and legal action remain central to ongoing demands for transparency. Lawmakers, advocacy groups, and segments of the public continue to call for the release of all relevant records, especially those involving high-profile individuals. As new questions surface, particularly around political connections, the pressure on institutions to disclose more information is unlikely to subside. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @ More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : donald trump Jeffrey Epstein Prince Andrew view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 10, 2025, 14:26 IST News explainers The Woman Who Took On Jeffrey Epstein: Why Virginia Giuffre's Story Refuses To Fade Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Judge rules case threatening Virginia Giuffre's Prince Andrew payout to proceed
A judge has ordered that the £7.5million suit against Prince Andrew's sex abuse accuser be passed on to her estate following her suicide . It could mean the mother-of-three's children could stand to lose out on their inheritance A judge has ruled that the case jeopardising Virginia Giuffre's multi-million-pound Prince Andrew payout is to go ahead despite her suicide. In April, the Mirror revealed how just days before her death, the Duke of York's alleged sexual abuse victim was "extremely distressed" after learning she could face losing her millions handed to her in an out-of-court settlement with the royal. The threat came as she was sued for defamation. Ms Giuffre, who died on April 25 in Western Australia, was being taken to court by artist Rina Oh for falsely labelling her as Epstein's girlfriend and one of his recruiters. Now, a judge has ordered that the £7.5 million suit is to be passed on to Ms Giuffre's estate. It could mean the mother-of-three's children could stand to lose out on their inheritance. The bitter legal war between the two women had rumbled on since 2021, with the Mirror told that Giuffre had become 'anxious' in the weeks leading up to her suicide, knowing her legal problems were not going away. In legal papers, Oh claims Giuffre 'maliciously' defamed her by repeatedly branding her Epstein's 'girlfriend' and alleging she helped lure young girls into the paedophile financier's network. Giuffre, a central figure in exposing Prince Andrew's paedophile pal's crimes, claimed on social media posts, podcast interviews, and even her memoir Billionaire's Playboy Club that Oh had physically and sexually abused her - accusations the artist vehemently denies. One tweet from 2020 read: 'Rina – if you read this, I hope you live in shame for the rest of your life... the physical & mental scars you left me with should be enough to put your a** in jail.' In another, Giuffre claimed: 'I have a six-inch scar on my left leg from her cutting me.' Oh, who has maintained she was a victim herself and was never a recruiter for Epstein, insists the comments have wrecked her life and reputation, leaving her with 'humiliation, shame, mental anguish and anxiety'. 'The damage caused has been immense,' her legal team said in court filings. 'She [Giuffre] weaponised her platform to discredit and defame another survivor for personal gain.' Oh's suit was initially seen as a potential bombshell for Prince Andrew's defence after Giuffre sued him in a civil court in 2021, alleging he sexually abused her when she was 17 - a claim he strenuously denied. The royal's legal team seized on the lawsuit with the Duke of York's lawyer, Andrew Brettler, telling a judge it could yield key witnesses and cast doubt on Giuffre's credibility. However, the case never went to trial as the royal paid her a reported £12 million in an out-of-court settlement to avoid the lawsuit going to a civil trial. But Oh's case against Giuffre did not die with her. Under New York law, a defendant's death does not halt civil litigation, instead, it can transfer liability to their estate. Oh has alleged Giuffre sexually assaulted her in 2001 while Epstein looked on. In an interview with the New York Post, she said: "I went into the massage room and [Giuffre] touched me without my consent; she sexually abused me." She added: "I was standing there, frozen like a deer. I did not move. I was in shock. I felt mortified and was uncomfortable." Legal documents, lodged in New York as part of the case, allege that on another occasion Giuffre "and other females sexually assaulted [Oh] while Epstein watched'. Giuffre had filed a countersuit, arguing her comments were protected free speech under the First Amendment and insisting they were part of broader conversations about Epstein and his network of abusers. Yet her attempts to get the case dismissed were repeatedly rejected. Just three weeks before her death, the New York State Appellate Court upheld Oh's right to pursue one of her two defamation suits. A source close to Giuffre told the Mirror: 'She was deeply distressed about it. It cast a shadow over everything, even while she was trying to focus on her life and family.' Giuffre rose to global prominence after going public with her abuse allegations against Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew. Her testimony was central to the wave of investigations that eventually brought down Epstein's powerful network. She also received compensation from Epstein's victims' fund and a defamation payout from Maxwell. This week, it was announced that the FBI were ending its investigation into Epstein and that no further charges would be brought.
