"He was never a prince": the family of Prince Andrew's main accuser responds
Virginia Giuffre's family has reacted to the arrest of Prince Andrew, whom she accused of sexual assault when she was 17 years old.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser in the Epstein case, has issued a statement regarding the recent arrest of Prince Andrew by British police at his home. Giuffre, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by the prince at the age of 17 as a part of the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, has been at the center of a long legal battle against figures associated with Epstein. Her family's statement, delivered to CBS News, underscores their feelings regarding Andrew's title, suggesting that his royal connections do not absolve him of accountability for the allegations made against him.
Giuffre's accusations against Prince Andrew are significant, as they highlight the broader themes of power and exploitation that emerged during the Epstein scandal. Despite a financial settlement reached in 2022 that allowed Andrew to avoid criminal charges, public scrutiny and Giuffre's steadfastness in her claims have kept the case in the media spotlight. Giuffre tragically passed away in April 2025, a few months prior to the planned publication of her memoirs, leaving many to reflect on her experiences and the systemic issues surrounding sexual abuse and accountability.
The implications of this incident are vast, particularly as it continues to raise questions about the treatment of sexual assault victims, particularly those involved with powerful individuals. As the royal family's reputation is further scrutinized, this case serves as a reminder of the complexities of justice and the long-lasting impact of such allegations on both victims and those accused.