abuse scandal
Prince Andrew demands sensational process – in the Queen’s most important year
Prince Andrew wants to defend himself against Virginia Giuffre’s abuse allegations in a civil trial.
© Chris Jackson / DPA
After Prince Andrew failed with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, he has now declared his willingness to go to civil trial. He also denied reports that he was close friends with Ghislaine Maxwell. The plaintiff’s lawyers said they were “delighted” to confront the royal about his “denials”.
Britain’s Prince Andrew wants to defend himself against allegations of abuse by plaintiff Virginia Giuffre in a civil trial in New York. His lawyers stated: “Prince Andrew hereby requests a jury trial on all counts set out in the lawsuit.” The document submitted by his lawyers in court is Andrew’s formal response to the lawsuit brought by the American Virginia Giuffre, which US legal expert Neama Rahmani said was to be expected. Previously, Andrew had failed with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
The plaintiff, Giuffre’s lawyer David Bowie, told AFP that he was “looking forward” to confronting the prince about his “denials”. The document, filed by Andrew’s attorneys, lists 11 reasons why the lawsuit should be dismissed.
In his statement, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II rejected point by point all allegations made against him, including with regard to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “Prince Andrew denies that he was a co-conspirator with Epstein or that Epstein got him girls,” the document reads.
The Royal also denies friendship or even a relationship with Epstein’s closest confidante Ghislaine Maxwell, as reported by the Daily Mail. Just a few days ago, with reference to information from personal friends, it was reported that Prince Andrew and Maxwell had even been a couple at times (read about the reports here).
Out-of-court settlement not excluded
With the declaration, civil proceedings in the case are becoming more and more likely – even if an out-of-court settlement is still not ruled out. However, sources close to Andrews in London said the news “means the matter is going to court”.
Plaintiff Giuffre alleges that she was sexually assaulted by Prince Andrew in 2001 at the age of 17, including in Epstein’s luxury apartment in New York. Epstein “loaned” her to the British royal at the time. The 38-year-old is now demanding damages in an undisclosed amount.
Prince Andrew: Dropped by the Palace
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied the allegations. Because of the allegations and his previous contacts with Epstein, however, he gave up his royal duties in 2019 and largely withdrew from the public. Then, two weeks ago, he lost his military titles and royal patronage.
The civil trial could begin in the fall. Criminal proceedings against Prince Andrew have not yet been initiated in the USA. Buckingham Palace announced in mid-January that Andrew would defend himself in the US process as a private citizen and would no longer take on any public royal duties.
Source:Daily Mail