Prince Andrew Could Pay Almost $20 Million If He Loses Sex Abuse Case, U.S. Civil Lawyer Claims
Aug. 13 2021, Published 12:14 p.m. ET
If Prince Andrew doesn't win his sex abuse court case against Virginia Roberts, he could be forced to pony up a lot of money, an expert claimed.
“To punish someone worth a billion dollars you have got to hit them in their pockets and punish them accordingly. Damages against Andrew could range in excess of £14million ($19,399 million USD). Easily," U.S. civil lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represents several of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, said. “There are going to be huge legal hurdles in the federal court before they will be able to even begin the process of litigating."
Kuvin believes that the whole case could take a while to get going. “It would not surprise me if it took a minimum five years to appear before a jury and that is if Andrew’s legal team do not get the case dismissed," he said. “It is likely the controversy surrounding the Duke will continue long after the Queen passes away. Then, Andrew’s brother will have to decide how to deal with it."
Earlier this week, Roberts filed a lawsuit against Andrew, claiming he raped her when she was 17.
In the lawsuit, which was obtained by The Royal Observer, Roberts claims that the royal "sexually abused Plaintiff in Epstein’s New York mansion in this District."
"On another occasion, Prince Andrew sexually abused Plaintiff on Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Little St. James," the documents state. "During each of the aforementioned incidents, Plaintiff was compelled by express or implied threats by Epstein, [Ghislaine] Maxwell, and/or Prince Andrew to engage in sexual acts with Prince Andrew, and feared death or physical injury to herself or another and other repercussions for disobeying Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew due to their powerful connections, wealth, and authority."
Kuvin praised Roberts — her married name is now Giuffre — for coming forward, as it couldn't have been easy. “I cannot stress how many barriers Ms. Giuffre’s legal team have to overcome. I do not doubt she and her lawyers understand the almost-impossible task they’re going to have," he said. “But regardless of that, I applaud her and I applaud them. Making a claim itself and speaking out against your abuser is really what this is about."
“She is willing to stand up in court, under penalty of perjury, and swear that this happened to her. Now I would hesitate to say Prince Andrew is willing to do the same," he added.
