The family of Virginia Giuffre has expressed shock over President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Trump stated that Epstein "stole" Giuffre from him while she was working at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach club. Giuffre was one of Epstein's most prominent accusers, alleging that she was sexually exploited as a teenager trafficked by Epstein.

In a statement, Giuffre's family said it was disturbing to hear Trump reference their sister in such a manner. "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," the family said. They emphasized the need for answers, stating, "We and the public are asking for answers; survivors deserve this."

Trump's remarks came in response to a reporter's question during a press event. He claimed he had severed ties with Epstein years ago due to Epstein's behavior, specifically mentioning his poaching of workers. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, stating that he had expelled Epstein from his club for inappropriate conduct towards female employees.

Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, had accused several influential men, including Britain's Prince Andrew, of sexual exploitation. Her family’s statement follows a recent interview conducted by the Justice Department with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.

Maxwell's lawyers have indicated that she is willing to provide further testimony to Congress if granted immunity from prosecution. The details of her recent interview remain confidential.

In a CNN interview, Sky Roberts, Giuffre's brother, criticized Trump's choice of words. "She wasn’t stolen, she was preyed upon at his property, at President Trump’s property … stolen seems very impersonal. It feels very much like an object, and the survivors are not objects, women are not objects," he said. He also questioned how much Trump knew about the situation at the time.

Giuffre was recruited by Maxwell in 2000 and was later pressured into sexual servitude for Epstein and his associates. She has alleged that she was flown around the world to meet various men, including Prince Andrew, when she was just 17 and 18 years old. Both Epstein and Andrew have denied the allegations against them.

In 2022, Prince Andrew settled with Giuffre for an undisclosed amount, agreeing to make a significant donation to her survivors' organization. Giuffre, who lived in Australia for several years, became an advocate for sex trafficking survivors after her experiences with Epstein.

Her family noted that she faced numerous challenges, including death threats and financial difficulties, as a result of her cooperation with authorities against Epstein and Maxwell.