Giuffre family demands Duchess of York lose title over Epstein email praise

The family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking, demanded on Thursday that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, be stripped of her courtesy royal title. The call follows the release of a 2011 email where Ferguson described Epstein, a convicted sex offender, as a “supreme friend.” Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at 41 in Western Australia, had accused Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her after being trafficked by Epstein at age 17. Seven charities have severed ties with Ferguson since the email surfaced last Sunday.

Amanda Roberts, Giuffre’s sister-in-law, told media that those in power must protect vulnerable people. Sky Roberts, Giuffre’s brother, stressed accountability to honor his sister’s legacy. A spokesperson for Ferguson said the email aimed to defuse Epstein’s defamation threat, expressing regret for any association.

Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro

• Charities like Teenage Cancer Trust and British Heart Foundation ended ties with Ferguson.
• The email was sent weeks after Ferguson publicly distanced herself from Epstein.
• Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Details of the 2011 email

The email, published by British outlets, praised Epstein as a “steadfast, generous, and supreme friend” to Ferguson and her family. It included an apology for her public criticism of Epstein, made after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

Ferguson noted she followed advice to avoid further issues for herself and Prince Andrew. Her spokesperson clarified the email was a response to Epstein’s legal threats, emphasizing her regret.

Family’s stance on accountability

Amanda Roberts argued that holding a royal title requires active opposition to abuse. She criticized inaction by those aware of wrongdoing. Sky Roberts echoed the need for thorough investigations, regardless of status.

The family highlighted Giuffre’s activism, sparked after her daughter’s birth in 2010. They aim to continue her fight for justice, citing her emotional struggles, worsened by a car accident before her death.

Giuffre’s handwritten note, shared by her family, urged collective action against abuse. It inspired their support for campaigns like Denim Day.

Charities’ response to controversy

On Monday, seven organizations, including Julia’s House and Prevent Breast Cancer, removed Ferguson as patron or ambassador. They cited the email’s content as misaligned with their missions.

The Children’s Literacy Charity and Natasha Allergy Research Foundation also ended affiliations. Ferguson’s spokesperson reiterated her focus on supporting victims, declining to comment further.

Background of Giuffre’s allegations

Giuffre claimed Prince Andrew abused her three times in 2001 and 2002 in London, New York, and the Caribbean. She was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell starting at age 16.

In 2022, Andrew settled out of court with Giuffre, donating to her causes without admitting liability. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for trafficking since 2022.

Epstein’s history and royal impact

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor in Florida, registering as a sex offender. He maintained elite connections post-conviction. Andrew lost military titles and patronages in 2022 but retains his Duke of York title.

Ferguson, divorced from Andrew in 1996, kept her courtesy title, like Diana post-separation. The Roberts family insists no one is above the law, pushing for broader investigations.

Ferguson has authored over 50 children’s books since 1989, with a new title, Kindness Along the Way, set for release in November.