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Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre (born Virginia Louise Roberts; 1983–2025) was an American-Australian advocate for survivors of sex trafficking and one of the most prominent accusers of Jeffrey Epstein.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Virginia Giuffre (born Virginia Louise Roberts; 1983–2025) was an American-Australian advocate for survivors of sex trafficking and one of the most prominent accusers of Jeffrey Epstein. She publicly alleged that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to powerful men, including Prince Andrew, and later became a victims’ rights advocate. She died by suicide in April 2025.

Early life

Virginia Giuffre was born Virginia Louise Roberts in Sacramento, California, in 1983. She later moved to Australia and became known publicly under her married name, Giuffre.

Allegations against Jeffrey Epstein

Giuffre said she was recruited into Epstein's sex-trafficking network as a teenager and was abused by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Her claims made her one of the central figures in public reporting and legal proceedings involving Epstein.

Advocacy and public work

After speaking publicly about her experiences, Giuffre became a victims' rights advocate. She supported other survivors and was associated with efforts to challenge sex trafficking and exploitation.

Prince Andrew controversy

Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked to Prince Andrew when she was 17, an allegation he denied. The dispute became one of the most widely reported offshoots of the Epstein case.

Death and legacy

Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41. News coverage and survivor groups described her as a prominent and influential voice in the public discussion of sex trafficking and abuse.

Key facts

  • Giuffre was widely identified as one of Jeffrey Epstein's most prominent accusers.
  • She said she was trafficked and sexually abused as a teenager by Epstein and his associates.
  • She later became a public advocate for victims of sex trafficking and abuse.
  • Her allegations against Prince Andrew led to major international media and legal attention.
  • She died by suicide in April 2025.
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Canadian context

Giuffre's case received significant coverage in Canada because it was part of the wider international Epstein scandal and raised broader public interest in sexual abuse, trafficking, and survivor advocacy.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Virginia Giuffre?
She was an American-Australian survivor advocate and one of the best-known accusers of Jeffrey Epstein.
What was Virginia Giuffre known for?
She was known for alleging sex trafficking and abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and for speaking publicly about victims' rights.
Did Virginia Giuffre accuse Prince Andrew?
Yes. She alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Prince Andrew when she was 17; he denied the allegation.
What organization did Virginia Giuffre found?
She was associated with Victims Refuse Silence, a nonprofit focused on helping survivors of sexual exploitation.
When did Virginia Giuffre die?
She died by suicide on 25 April 2025.
Why is Virginia Giuffre significant?
Her allegations helped draw global attention to Jeffrey Epstein's network and to wider issues of sex trafficking and survivor advocacy.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Virginia-Giuffre
    Supports: Birth and death details; role as victims' rights advocate; allegations against Epstein and Maxwell; move to Australia; death by suicide.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Giuffre
    Supports: Full name; birth and death dates; American-Australian identity; advocacy role; death by suicide.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cql67qk0dd3o
    Supports: Her public allegations against Epstein and Prince Andrew; statement from relatives about her death by suicide.
  4. NBC News — https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/virginia-giuffre-one-jeffrey-epsteins-prominent-abuse-survivors-dies-s-rcna203027
    Supports: Her role as a prominent survivor and advocate; her contribution to investigations involving Ghislaine Maxwell.
  5. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/us/virginia-giuffre-dead.html
    Supports: Her status as a central figure in the Epstein scandal; allegations of trafficking; death at age 41.
  6. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59974220
    Supports: Background on her allegations and the Prince Andrew civil case.