Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir reveals she feared she might ‘die a sex slave’ at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, detailing harrowing abuse and specific allegations against Prince Andrew, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In “Nobody’s Girl,” obtained by the BBC ahead of its publication, Giuffre describes a web of rich and powerful individuals exploiting young women, with Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell at the center. She recounts being subjected to sadomasochistic sex that caused her so much pain she prayed to black out, and says she was ‘lent out’ to scores of influential people, enduring choking, beatings, and humiliation. The abuse was systematic, with Epstein encouraging her eating disorder to maintain a ‘childlike’ appearance, reinforcing her role as a victim in his trafficking ring.
Giuffre alleges she had sex with Prince Andrew on three separate occasions, starting in March 2001 when she was 17. She writes that Maxwell woke her up to meet the ‘handsome prince,’ and Andrew correctly guessed her age, noting his daughters were ‘just a little younger.’ That night, at London’s Tramp nightclub, she says Andrew ‘sweated profusely,’ and back at Maxwell’s house, Maxwell instructed her to ‘do for him what you do for Jeffrey.’ Giuffre describes Andrew as ‘friendly enough, but still entitled – as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright,’ and she received $15,000 from Epstein for ‘servicing’ him.
The second encounter occurred about a month later at Epstein’s New York townhouse, and the third on Epstein’s private island in what Giuffre calls an ‘orgy’ involving approximately eight other young girls who appeared under 18 and didn’t speak English. Epstein reportedly laughed about their inability to communicate, calling them ‘the easiest girls to get along with.’ These accounts add to long-standing claims that have dogged Andrew for years, though he has vigorously denied all allegations, stating in 2019 he did not remember meeting Giuffre and never had sexual contact with her.
In 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court financial settlement with Giuffre to avoid a civil trial, which she says included a one-year gag order timed to protect the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from further scandal. The settlement did not involve an admission of guilt, but the memoir’s release has reignited public and political outrage, putting additional pressure on the royal family. Andrew’s recent decision to voluntarily give up his titles, including Duke of York and membership in the Order of the Garter, under pressure from King Charles, is seen as an attempt to mitigate damage to the monarchy.
Simultaneously, London’s Metropolitan Police are ‘actively looking into’ claims that Andrew tried to smear Giuffre in 2011 by asking his police protection officer to investigate her using her date of birth and social security number. This alleged effort came just before the publication of a photo showing Andrew with his arm around Giuffre, and while the officer did not act on the request, the probe raises questions about potential misconduct. A former head of royal protection called the issue ‘scandalous’ and said any evidence of criminality should be forwarded to prosecutors.
The fallout has significant implications for the British monarchy, diverting attention from King Charles’s engagements and fueling calls for Andrew to be stripped of his prince title entirely. Giuffre’s brother has urged the king to take further action, arguing that title renunciation alone is insufficient, and some MPs describe public anger over the case. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted that such matters are for the royal family, not the government, highlighting the delicate balance between public accountability and royal convention.
As “Nobody’s Girl” is set for official release, it ensures ongoing scrutiny of Andrew and the broader Epstein scandal, emphasizing systemic issues of power and abuse. Giuffre’s memoir not only personalizes her trauma but also underscores the need for transparency and justice, leaving a lasting impact on how such cases are addressed in society and within institutions.