Virginia Giuffre’s family launch memorial fundraiser as they say Andrew accuser’s estate will take ‘years’ to carve up

VIRGINIA Giuffre's family have paid touching tributes and launched a fundraiser to create a public memorial for the Prince Andrew's sex abuse accuser.

It comes just days after Giuffre was tragically found dead at her remote farmhouse, an hour north of Perth, on April 25 after years of torment.

Her family confirmed her death and said she had been a "lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking".

In a statement, the family said: "Dear Friends, Family, Survivors, and Supporters.

"First and foremost, thank you for the outpouring of love and support for our beloved Virginia.

"We know Virginia was not just a bright light to us but to many. The lives she touched, the strength, and the fight she gave us will live with us always.

"Though our family and many are experiencing an immeasurable sense of grief, we know that this will make us stronger— that is what Virginia would have wanted.

"With that, we think it is imperative that we find a way to leave her mark as a legacy.

"Virginia, through her fight and testimony, was able to amass settlements, but unfortunately, through this tragedy, as many of you may know, funds and estates can take years to settle.

"While her estate is being settled in Australia, her family in America is dedicated to memorialising and celebrating her spirit.

"It is our intention with this fund that we create a public memorial not just for family but for survivors and supporters from all over to visit and share space with Virginia.

"She deserves to have a permanent mark in this world that demonstrates her lasting impact.

"Virginia was adamant about seeing real change in active legislation. One of the laws she was driven to change was the Statute of Limitations for sexual abuse.

“Statute of Limitations is a convenient law for perpetrators.”
Virginia Roberts.

"It takes years for survivors to summon the courage to come forward and express their trauma.

"The Statute often expires before, stripping them of their voice and right to pursue justice. So many survivors don’t come forward because of this.

"We aim to drive that pursuit of justice and propose new legislation for change.

"It was Virginia's life’s purpose to continue the fight and break the chains of silence! We will continue that mission with all our heart and soul. Together."

The tragic tributes come after Giuffre's sudden death in April, which opened a Pandora's Box of unanswered questions.

She was the most prominent victim of the notorious Epstein was found dead by police before her family revealed she had died by suicide.

She said she was trafficked to the Royal by Epstein and his madam, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

Mum-of-three Virginia, who was estranged from her husband Robert, had also accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse on three occasions, including when she was just 17.

On February 15, 2022, it was announced that Prince Andrew settled the lawsuit - sparing him a humiliating court battle.

He was later stripped of his royal roles and banished from public duty in disgrace.

Epstein was later found dead in his prison cell in August 2019 whilst Maxwell is serving time behind bars in the US for her role.

Giuffre's courage in speaking out inspired countless victims of abuse to speak out against their tormentors. 

But many aspects of Virginia’s life remain clouded in mystery - from the truth about her alleged interactions with Andrew, to what actually caused her injuries, and the circumstances around her death.

A harrowing letter written by Giuffre was released by her family after they insisted: "Her voice will not be silenced."

The scrawled handwritten note was made public by relatives just days after she was found dead at her farmhouse in Perth.

The letter reads: “Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers need to show the battle lines are drawn, and stand together to fight for the future of victims. 

"Is protesting the answer? 

"I don't know. But we've got to start somewhere.” 

The letter was posted online by her distraught sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, who vowed to carry on her legacy in the wake of her apparent suicide. 

Meanwhile, dad Sky Roberts said that he "couldn't believe" Virginia Giuffre had died by suicide, emphasising that there was "no way" it was true.

He insisted: "Somebody got to her."

Roberts told Piers Morgan Uncensored: “Well, first of all, I couldn't even believe it. I mean, I started crying right away.

"I'm still crying. I can't believe that this is happening. It just, it's impossible."

His comments echoed that of Ms Giuffre's Australia-based lawyer, Karrie Louden, who said there were "big question marks" over her death.

She said Ms Giuffre was looking to the future, making plans and showing "no signs" of wanting to end her life in the days and weeks before last week's tragedy.

An investigation by major crime cops Down Under and the local coroner in Perth has already begun.

The mystery deepened after a 2019 tweet written by Virginia resurfaced in which she said: "I am making it publicly known that in no way, shape or form am I suicidal.

"If something happens to me...do not let this go away. Too many evil people want to see me quieted."