Andrew’s lawyers take aim at the lawsuit
Prince Andrew’s lawyers have asked a New York judge to throw away the lawsuit, given that he “never sexually abused or assaulted” the accuser.
In papers filed to the Manhattan federal court on Friday, a lawyer for Prince Andrew, 61, denied Andrew’s involvement but said that Virginia Giuffre, 38, may have been a victim of abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein.
“However, and without diminishing the harm suffered as a result of Epstein’s alleged misconduct, Prince Andrew never sexually abused or assaulted Giuffre. He unequivocally denies Giuffre’s false allegations against him,” read documents signed by attorney Andrew Brettler.
Brettler has requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, or that the prosecution refile the lawsuit with a more definitive statement of her allegations.
“Accusing a member of the world’s best known royal family of serious misconduct has helped Giuffre create a media frenzy online and in the traditional press. It is unfortunate, but undeniable, that sensationalism and innuendo have prevailed over the truth,” the filing said.
“Giuffre has initiated this baseless lawsuit against Prince Andrew to achieve another payday at his expense and at the expense of those closest to him. Epstein’s abuse of Giuffre does not justify her public campaign against Prince Andrew.”
Brettler continued to dub the lawsuit ‘baseless’ and cites a 2009 settlement document that he believes prevents his client from being sued.
“To avoid being dragged into future legal disputes, Epstein negotiated for this broad release, insisting that it cover any and all persons who Giuffre identified as potential targets of future lawsuits, regardless of the merit -- or lack thereof -- to any such claims.”
A hearing in the case is scheduled for next week.
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