Lady Victoria Hervey has sparked backlash after making a controversial remark following the tragic death of Virginia Giuffre, aged 41. Giuffre, who had made headlines after accusing Prince Andrew of sexual abuse - claims he has always denied - was found to have taken her own life in Neergabby, Australia at her farm. As the news emerged on Saturday, Lady Victoria, who had a brief romance with Prince Andrew in 1999, shared an article link and commented: "When lies catch up with you there's no way out."

This prompted a fierce backlash online, with one user branding her 'no lady' and others slamming the post as 'sick. ' Another remarked: "Wow she's a cold hearted woman!". Within two hours of the post, Lady Victoria took to Instagram again, stating: "I have taken the decision to pause my posts on the topic of Virginia Giuffre at this time. Irrespective of circumstances, suicide in anyone at anytime is tragic and in a young mother who has children even more."

Giuffre's family last night confirmed th 41-year-old died by suicide. In a heartbreaking statement, they wrote: "Giuffre lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure. The light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily.

"It was when she held her newborn daughter in her arms that Virginia realised she had to fight back against those who had abused her and so many others. There are no words that can express the grave loss we feel today with the passing of our sweet Virginia. She was heroic and will always be remembered for her incredible courage and loving spirit. In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight. We know that she is with the angels."

Her attorney Sigrid McCawley also paid a poignant tribute: "Virginia was much more than a client to me; she was a dear friend and an incredible champion for other victims. Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring. The world has lost an amazing human being today. Rest in peace, my sweet angel."

Giuffre was declared dead at the scene of her farm by emergency services. Major Crime detectives are currently investigating the incident, but according to authorities "early indications suggest the death is not suspicious".

In 2021, Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Prince Andrew in New York, alleging that he had forced her into sexual encounters on three separate occasions between 1999 and 2002 in London, New York, and on a private Caribbean island owned by Epstein.

She said she had been trafficked by Epstein.

An out-of-court settlement was reached in February 2022, although the sum involved was not disclosed. Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him.

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