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Donald Trump reacts to Virginia Giuffre death

President Trump has weighed in on the death of Virginia Giuffre, the Australia-based woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her.

Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre dead at 41

Donald Trump has weighed in on the Virginia Giuffre tragedy, describing her death as horrible.

“Well, it’s a very sad situation,” the US president said when asked about Mr Giuffre.

“That whole situation is very sad for her and others and so certainly that’s a horrible thing. Horrible.”

The President made the comments on Sunday night local time after arriving back at Joint Base Andrews in Washington following his trip to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport, N.J. Picture: AP
President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport, N.J. Picture: AP

It came a day after his son Donald Trump Jr also weighed in on the Australian mother’s death.

Ms Giuffre was found dead at her home near Perth on Friday night and her family issued a statement confirming she had taken her own life.

The 41-year-old Australian was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell when she was just 16.

She accused Prince Andrew of being one of her abusers. He has denied the claim and settled a confidential civil lawsuit with her.

Yesterday, Mr Trump Jr shared a 2019 social media post made by Ms Giuffre.

In it she wrote: “I am making it publicly known that in no way, shape or form am I suicidal. I have made this known to my therapist and GP – if something happens to me, [for] the sake of my family, do not let this go away and help me to protect them.”

Virginia Roberts Giuffre was found dead at her home near Perth on Friday night. Picture: Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Virginia Roberts Giuffre was found dead at her home near Perth on Friday night. Picture: Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Mr Trump Jr posted “This is wild” alongside her comment.

Epstein was jailed for sex trafficking offences and died in custody.

The US President has previously promised to release all files relating to Epstein and his exploitation of 250 victims.

In late February, the first tranche of documents was released by Attorney General Pam Bondi but more are expected in the coming months.

“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,” Ms Bondi said at the time.

“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.”

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew has been pictured for the first time since Giuffre’s death leaving Royal Lodge in his Range Rover.

The royal was spotted behind the wheel of the Defender with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson in the passenger seat a day after Giuffre’s death.

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Originally published as Donald Trump reacts to Virginia Giuffre death

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/national/donald-trump-reacts-to-virginia-giuffre-death/news-story/91a2113e45ffa57f9da49008630c65cd