The family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal, has publicly voiced profound shock and dismay following recent comments made by former President Donald Trump. Their reaction centers on Trump’s assertion that Epstein had “stolen” Giuffre, a statement that has sparked considerable debate and concern among those advocating for survivors.

During a recent interview, President Trump, when questioned about his past association with Epstein, claimed a dispute arose from Epstein allegedly poaching workers and “stealing” Giuffre from his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. This narrative contrasts sharply with the grim reality of Giuffre’s experiences, highlighting a significant disconnect in perception.

The Giuffre family’s statement underscored their distress, stating, “It was shocking to hear President Trump invoke our sister and say that he was aware that Virginia had been ‘stolen’ from Mar-a-Lago.” They vehemently rejected the term “stolen,” emphasizing that survivors are not objects and were “preyed upon,” not taken as property, raising questions about the extent of Trump’s knowledge at the time.

Virginia Giuffre emerged as a pivotal figure in the Epstein case, accusing the financier and his associates, including Britain’s Prince Andrew, of sexual exploitation during her teenage years. Her courage in coming forward has made her a central voice for sex trafficking survivors, despite enduring significant personal and financial hardship due to her cooperation with authorities.

The ongoing saga involving Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges, continues to unfold with new legal developments. His former girlfriend and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 on sex trafficking and other charges, currently serving a 20-year sentence.

In a recent significant turn, the Justice Department interviewed Maxwell in prison, though the specifics of her testimony remain confidential. Her legal team has indicated her willingness to provide further information to Congress, contingent on immunity from future prosecution and and other conditions, suggesting potential new revelations in the long-running case.

The Giuffre family’s statement also strongly reiterated their demand that Ghislaine Maxwell remain incarcerated, asserting she should not be released. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among survivors and advocates who seek full accountability for those involved in Epstein’s extensive criminal enterprise.

This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the deep scars left by the Epstein scandal and the continuing struggle for justice faced by sex trafficking survivors. The public discourse surrounding such cases continues to evolve, underscoring the critical importance of language and empathy in addressing these profound societal issues.