A contentious legal proceeding unfolded in Australia’s Supreme Court on Friday as multiple parties vied for control of the estate belonging to Virginia Giuffre, the prominent accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse scandal. The hearing marked the beginning of what promises to be an extended legal battle over Giuffre’s assets, which include real estate holdings in Western Australia and potential royalties from her recently published memoir.
Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at age 41 without leaving a will, had achieved international recognition for her allegations against Epstein and Britain’s Prince Andrew. Her two adult sons, Christian (19) and Noah Giuffre (18), have petitioned the court to be appointed administrators of their mother’s estate. Their application faces opposition from two unexpected quarters: Giuffre’s former housekeeper and caregiver Cheryl Myers, and her Perth-based attorney Karrie Louden, both of whom are seeking administrative control.
The court has appointed a temporary administrator to oversee the estate pending resolution of the case. During Friday’s proceedings, legal representatives debated whether Giuffre’s minor daughter (whose identity remains protected by court order) and her estranged husband Robert Giuffre should be included as formal parties to the litigation.
Complicating the matter further are revelations about Giuffre’s personal circumstances prior to her death. Court documents indicate she had separated from her family earlier this year and faced pending charges for violating a family violence restraining order related to a February incident. The case will resume with additional hearings scheduled for next year, as the court seeks to determine the most appropriate stewardship of assets connected to one of the most high-profile figures in the Epstein scandal.