One of the survivors of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has publicly called for Prince Andrew to be held accountable and answer questions in the United States. The demand comes following the release of a tranche of court documents related to the disgraced financier.
Survivor's Call for Accountability
Speaking to the Guardian, Marina Lacerda, who was exploited by Epstein from the age of 14, stated that the man now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be "brought to justice". Lacerda, originally from Brazil and now living in the US, is among numerous survivors seeking accountability for those allegedly involved in Epstein's sex trafficking network.
"I think the first thing that needs to be done here is that the UK needs to bring [Mountbatten-Windsor] to justice," she said. Lacerda criticised the investigation into the claims made by the late Virginia Giuffre, who accused the former prince of sexual abuse. Giuffre took her own life in April 2024.
Damning Email Evidence Revealed
The newly unsealed documents from the US Department of Justice appear to contain emails from 2001 and 2002 between Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, and an individual referred to as "A". The context strongly suggests "A" is Prince Andrew.
In one email dated 16 August 2001, "A" asks Maxwell: "Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?" Other correspondence shows Maxwell seeking "friendly and discreet and fun" girls for a man named Andrew ahead of a trip to Peru. This coincided with an official visit by Prince Andrew to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
The emails reference details matching the former royal's life, including being at Balmoral, the loss of his valet, and leaving the "RN" (Royal Navy).
Legal Condemnation and Unanswered Questions
Brad Edwards, lawyer for the late Virginia Giuffre, offered a scathing assessment. "Anyone who ever gave any credence to the denials of Virginia’s claims by Epstein, Maxwell, or Andrew should be ashamed of themselves," he told the Guardian.
Giuffre's memoir, published posthumously, detailed meeting Andrew in March 2001 when she was 17. She alleged Maxwell instructed her to "do for him what you do for Jeffrey," leading to multiple instances of forced sex. Prince Andrew has consistently and vigorously denied all allegations, reaching a settlement with Giuffre in 2022.
The files also reveal the FBI sought to question Mountbatten-Windsor about links to another sex offender, Peter Nygard, but he refused to cooperate.
Marina Lacerda expressed scepticism that the former Duke of York would voluntarily submit to questioning. "He does need to come to America, but I don’t think he will, to be honest with you. It is just the right thing to do," she said.
The Guardian was unable to reach Prince Andrew or a representative for comment on the latest allegations.
