In yet another significant twist in the Jeffrey Epstein case, one accuser has urged the Duke of York to ‘come clean’.
Virginia Giuffre made the comments after a court hearing on Tuesday after previously accusing Epstein of sex abuse and alleged that as a 17-year-old, she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew.
Speaking to reporters, Ms Giuffre said 59-year-old Prince “knows what he’s done”.
The Duke of York has strongly denied any wrongdoing on a number of occasions, most recently over the weekend.
Speaking of Prince Andrew, Ms Giuffre said: “He knows what he’s done and he can attest to that. He knows exactly what he’s done and I hope he comes clean about it.”
Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in prison earlier this month as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.
The case against Epstein now looks set to be dismissed, however, the investigation is ongoing and charges could still be brought against any co-conspirators.
In the statement last week, Prince Andrew apologised for continuing to see Epstein after he was released from prison after being convicted of prostituting minors over a decade ago.
The Duke said: “At no stage during the limited time I spent with him [Epstein] did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.”
Prince Andrew continued: “I have said previously that it was a mistake and an error to see him after his release in 2010 and I can only reiterate my regret that I was mistaken to think that what I thought I knew of him was evidently not the real person, given what we now know. I have tremendous sympathy for all those affected by his actions and behaviour.
“His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.
“This is a difficult time for everyone involved and I am at a loss to be able to understand or explain Mr Epstein’s lifestyle. I deplore the exploitation of any human being and would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behaviour.”
