A previously sealed court settlement between convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, and Virginia Giuffre, the woman accusing him of sexual abuse and trafficking to Prince Andrew, was unsealed on Monday, January 3.
The 2009 settlement shows Epstein and Giuffre agreed not to sue anyone connected to Epstein who could be described as a “potential defendant.”
The document also reveals that Epstein had paid Giuffre $500,000 (AUD $695,300.00) to end her lawsuit against the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
Giuffre, a 38-year-old mother of three, alleged that Epstein trafficked her and made her have sex with his friends, claiming she was forced to have sex with the royal three times in 2001.
Prince Andrew has denied these allegations and claims Giuffre is only after “another payday at his expense.”
The settlement does not mention the Prince by name, CNN reports the unsealed agreement says it serves to “remise, release, acquit, satisfy and forever discharge” parties and “any other person or entity who could have been included as a potential defendant”
The agreement also states that it cannot be used in civil or criminal proceedings against Epstein. This was signed both by Giuffre and Epstein on different dates in November 2009.
Andrews lawyers argued to dismiss Giuffre’s case against him in 2009 because her lawsuit violates the terms of her agreement with Epstein.
However, David Boies, Giuffre’s lawyer, argues that the settlement is “irrelevant” to her claim against the Prince-which alleges sexual abuse by the royal in New York, London and the US Virgin Islands.
“He could not have been a ‘potential defendant’ in the settled case against Jeffrey Epstein both because he was not subject to jurisdiction in Florida and because the Florida case involved federal claims to which he was not a part,” Boise tells CNN.
An oral argument in the civil suit against Andrew is set for Tuesday, December 4. If the Princes’ lawyers are unsuccessful, or the cause is not settled, the royal could face a trial date between September and December 2022.
Andrews long-running allegations have already tarnished his public image, forcing him to step back from royal duties in late 2019.
DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about violence or misconduct impacting you, your family, friends or workplace, the numbers below may help. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service — 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia — 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277, BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800; Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.