Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent voices in the fight against sexual abuse and a key figure in the case against Jeffrey Epstein, has died by suicide at the age of 41, her family announced in a statement released on April 25.
Giuffre, who lived in Neergabby, Australia, was widely recognized for her courage in exposing Epstein’s sex trafficking network and for her tireless advocacy on behalf of other survivors. In their statement, her family described her as a “fierce warrior” who “lifted so many survivors” with her strength, adding, “She will be missed beyond measure.”
Born Virginia Roberts in 1983, Giuffre came to international attention after alleging that she had been sexually abused by Epstein and several of his high-profile associates when she was a minor. She stated that Ghislaine Maxwell had lured her into Epstein’s network, where she was exploited beginning at the age of 17. Among those she accused was Britain’s Prince Andrew, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing but later settled a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in 2022. Giuffre also accused Harvard lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who denied her allegations.
Her testimony was instrumental in building momentum for the investigations that led to criminal proceedings against Epstein and Maxwell. Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022.
Giuffre’s advocacy extended beyond courtrooms. After the birth of her daughter in 2010, she told The Miami Herald that she felt a deep responsibility to confront her abusers and speak out on behalf of others who could not. Her courage inspired a broader reckoning around the global issue of sex trafficking and abuse.
In the months leading up to her death, Giuffre faced serious health challenges. In March, she shared on social media that she had suffered kidney failure following a devastating car accident, after a school bus collided with her vehicle at approximately 68 miles per hour. She described herself as being close to death during that time. Her family indicated that, despite her resilience, the weight of her past traumas ultimately became too great to bear.
“There are no words that can express the grave loss we feel today with the passing of our sweet Virginia,” her family said. “She was heroic and will always be remembered for her incredible courage and loving spirit. In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight. We know that she is with the angels.”
Virginia Giuffre is survived by her three children. Her death is a sobering reminder of the lasting damage caused by abuse, even after legal victories and public acknowledgment, and underscores the critical need for continued mental health support for survivors of trauma.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, help is available. The U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is reachable 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line offers free, confidential support by texting 741741.
