’It eats away at me’
Epstein branded coward as victims have their day in court
SIXTEEN of disgraced billionaire paedophile Jeffery Epstein’s alleged victims yesterday poured out their pain and fury, branding him a coward for taking his life before they could get justice.
Among those to address a special court hearing and a press conference afterwards in New York was Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who called out Prince Andrew for his part in her treatment as a “sex slave”.
“He knows exactly what he’s done, and I hope he comes clean about it,” said Ms Giuffre, who previously lived in Cairns.
Prince Andrew has denied Ms Giuffre’s allegation of their sexual relationship when she was a minor and said he was appalled by Epstein’s actions. The eighth in line to the throne was pictured at Epstein’s New York mansion in 2010, two years after he served time for sex with a minor.
In a video published earlier this month, he was pictured farewelling Katherine Keating, the daughter of former Australian prime minister Paul Keating, from Epstein’s residence in December, 2010. Ms Keating has not responded to requests for comment.
Another alleged victim, who was an aspiring 15-yearold actress when she was raped in Epstein’s New York mansion, said she was haunted by his crimes.
“The fact I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul. Even in death, Epstein is trying to hurt me. I had hoped to at last get an apology, but this evil man had no remorse or caring for what he did to anyone,” Jennifer Araoz said.
Ms Araoz slammed Epstein’s jailers for allowing him to take his own life.
“They let this man kill himself and kill the chance for justice for so many others in the process,” she said.
The special hearing was convened by District Judge Richard Berman, who presided over the case after federal prosecutors had Epstein arrested last month before his suicide.
Judge Berman elected to give Epstein’s accusers their day in court to “promote transparency” before striking the indictment, following his death on August 10. Epstein was arrested last month on sex trafficking charges against dozens of young women.
His alleged accomplice, fallen socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, is being sought by authorities for her part in recruiting the women, many of whom were teenagers when they say they were abused at Epstein’s New York mansion and sprawling private estates in New Mexico and the US Virgin Islands.
Maxwell, who is accused by some of taking part in the sexual assaults, has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Actress Anouska De Georgiou described herself as a survivor to the court, after being sexually abused as a teenager.
“I was a victim, but I will not remain a victim and be silent for one more day,” she said.
“Although I think it’s tragic when anybody dies before their time, I’m extremely relieved that Jeffrey Epstein will not be in a position to hurt any more children or any more women.”