Virginia accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse – that he denies(Image: PA)Virginia Giuffre was reportedly left “extremely distressed” after discovering that her substantial financial settlement with Prince Andrew was at risk, just a fortnight before her suicide. The mother of three feared her newly acquired wealth might be at stake due to a defamation case brought against her by another of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers.
Giuffre, who died on April 25 in Australia, faced legal action from Rina Oh, an artist, who accused Giuffre of wrongfully calling her Epstein’s girlfriend and one of his recruiters. Given the statutes in New York, the £7.5million lawsuit is expected to transfer to Giuffre’s estate.
In the days preceding her suicide, associates of Giuffre revealed she had sunk into a deep depression caused by the disintegration of her marriage, the loss of her children to her ex-partner, and the possibility of losing her money. A confidante disclosed to the Mirror: “Virginia was extremely distressed in the weeks before she died.
“She felt like everything she had fought so hard for was going or gone. Couple this with the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of Epstein.”
As well as the claims about Epstein, tweets under Ms Giuffre’s name accused Ms Oh of physically assaulting her.
Ms Oh has categorically denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations and contends that she, too, was a victim of Epstein’s manipulation and abuse, reports The Mirror.
Her lawyer said in a court filing: “Considering the high profile nature of the Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew story, [Giuffre] knew that accusing [Oh], a fellow victim, of such horrible things, would maximise the spread and harm and damage to [Oh].”
The filing added: “[Giuffre] has maliciously reiterated and republished these defamations and slanders in prior and subsequent tweets and interviews on podcasts, TV and for magazines, as well as in her memoirs entitled Billionaire’s Playboy Club.
“These defamations and slanders by Defendant are causing [Oh] great harm.”
Virginia Giuffre died on April 25(Image: Netflix/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)Ms Oh’s lawsuit was set to be used by Andrew’s legal team to attack Ms Giuffre, who sued the King’s brother in 2021 for sex abuse.
The case against Andrew, who vehemently denied her claims, ended in a reported £12m settlement.
Just three weeks before Ms Giuffre’s death, the New York State Appellate Court denied her motion to dismiss one of Ms Oh’s two civil lawsuits.
Ms Giuffre was one of the first women to accuse Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, of trafficking underage girls.
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Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/