‘Underage Sexual Assault’ Victim of UK Prince Andrew Reached Immunity Agreement with Epstein in 2009

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] It has been revealed that billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was imprisoned on charges of child prostitution and committed suicide in prison, reached a settlement agreement with one of his past victims, Virginia Giuffre.

US CNN reported on the 3rd (local time) that this fact was disclosed during the civil lawsuit trial filed by Giuffre against Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with the Epstein case. Giuffre sued Epstein in the Florida federal court in 2009 but later signed a confidential settlement and reportedly received $500,000 (about 600 million KRW).

Accordingly, Prince Andrew's legal team argues that the civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre against the prince contradicts the immunity agreement with Epstein disclosed that day. They explain that Prince Andrew's legal liability is also exempted.

Giuffre, who was Epstein's former masseuse, is a representative whistleblower of the "Epstein case," claiming that Epstein forced her into sexual relations with Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. She revealed that Prince Andrew engaged in sexual acts with her in New York, London, and other places without consent, knowing that she was a minor and a victim of Epstein's human trafficking. On the other hand, Prince Andrew has denied this, saying he has no memory of meeting Giuffre.

The settlement agreement does not explicitly mention Prince Andrew's name. However, it contains the phrase "individuals or entities who may potentially be defendants." It also includes wording that "should not be interpreted as the responsibility or fault of any party."

However, Giuffre's attorney, David Boies, stated in a press release that the settlement agreement is unrelated to the allegations against Prince Andrew. He pointed out, "Prince Andrew cannot be a 'potential defendant' in the Epstein lawsuit in Florida," adding, "The Florida lawsuit concerns claims by the federal government in which he was not involved."

The oral arguments for the civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew are scheduled for the 4th. CNN reported, "If this continues, the British royal family will face a trial date around September to December 2022," and added, "Prince Andrew has already suspended and withdrawn from official royal duties in 2019 due to these allegations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.