The death of Virginia Giuffre, a well-known advocate against sex trafficking, has provoked a strong response following remarks by Lady Victoria Hervey.
According to the US Sun, Lady Victoria Hervey drew major backlash after an insensitive reaction to the suicide of Virginia Giuffre, who previously accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse.
Virginia Giuffre, who bravely faced her past as a victim and stood against sexual trafficking, died by suicide on April 26, 2025, in Western Australia. She was 41 years old. Giuffre had been a central figure in a public legal fight, accusing Prince Andrew and others of sexual abuse, claiming she was trafficked as a teenager.
Her struggles appeared compounded in recent weeks when she shared an alarming social media post. Just weeks before her death, Giuffre uploaded a hospital photo hinting at kidney failure due to a bus accident and ominously noted she had "four days to live."
The initial reaction from Lady Victoria Hervey, a former associate of Prince Andrew's circle, struck a contentious note. She shared a news article about Giuffre's death with a caption that implied deceit on Giuffre's part, commenting, "When lies catch up with you, there's no way out." Her words ignited a flurry of social media outrage, with many branding her remarks as heartless and insensitive.
Amid the growing criticism, Hervey's stance softened as she deleted the offending post after two hours. Her follow-up message indicated a more sympathetic tone, saying, "Irrespective of circumstances, suicide in anyone at any time is tragic and in a young mother who has children, even more so."
Previously, Hervey had publicly criticized Giuffre after her hospital photo post, calling her the "Queen of the fake photo," which painted a picture of ongoing skepticism towards Giuffre's assertions and state of health.
The backlash on social media was swift and fierce. Users condemned Hervey's comments, with one labeling her a "cold-hearted woman." This public sentiment highlighted the severity of the situation and the sympathy many felt towards Giuffre's long-standing battle with her past.
Ultimately, Lady Victoria Hervey felt compelled to halt her commentary on the topic, stating, "I have decided to pause my posts on the topic of Virginia Giuffre at this time." This move suggested a recognition of the intense public and media scrutiny she faced.
The reaction to Hervey's comments underscores the broader context of the tragedy that Giuffre's life and death represent, not just to her family and supporters but also to the larger community of abuse survivors.
Virginia Giuffre's family released a statement articulating their profound grief and highlighting her role as a tireless advocate against sexual abuse and trafficking. "Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking," they noted.
They further elaborated, "She was the light that lifted so many survivors," which underscores the significant impact Giuffre had made in bringing attention to sex trafficking and supporting other victims.
The story of Virginia Giuffre serves as a poignant reminder of the human costs associated with the fight against sexual exploitation and the heavy burdens carried by those at its forefront. Giuffre's advocacy efforts and tragic end will remain key elements in the ongoing conversation about sexual abuse and the support victims require and deserve.
