US Lawmakers Demand Prince Andrew Testify Before Congress Over Epstein Files Revelations

In a dramatic escalation tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, US lawmakers and victims’ relatives are calling for Prince Andrew to testify before Congress. This demand follows fresh scrutiny of Epstein files implicating the British royal in allegations of sexual abuse.[1]

The push comes amid renewed attention to long-buried claims, with Democrats tabling a bill named “Virginia’s Law” after Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of abuse. Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to the prince by Epstein as a teenager. Andrew settled her 2022 lawsuit out of court but has consistently denied any wrongdoing.[1]

The Spark: Epstein Files and Victim Voices

The Epstein files have reignited public outrage over how powerful figures evaded accountability. Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019, maintained ties with elites worldwide, including Prince Andrew. Recent document releases have spotlighted these connections, prompting calls for transparency.

At a high-profile news conference, Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic minority leader, joined Epstein victims and their families. Schumer lambasted the legal system for failing survivors, declaring: “For years, survivors of Epstein’s abuse were ignored. They were doubted. They were silenced. They were dismissed. And even when the truth finally came out… too many survivors were still told by the law: it’s too late.”[1]

Roberts Giuffre, brother of Virginia, was blunt in an interview with Sky News US correspondent Mark Stone. “Andrew needs to show up and he needs to answer questions in front of our Congress,” he insisted. Schumer echoed this, stating Andrew “needs to show up now.”[1]

These statements underscore a bipartisan frustration—though led by Democrats—with how statutes of limitations have shielded alleged abusers. The Epstein case exemplifies this: many victims came forward years later, only to find legal deadlines had passed.

“Virginia’s Law”: Breaking Statute Barriers

The centerpiece is Virginia’s Law, a proposed bill to eliminate statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Introduced during the conference, it aims to “create new legal avenues to pursue justice.”[1]

Supporters argue the current system “ran out the clock” on real harms. By removing time bars, the legislation would allow survivors to sue regardless of when they disclose abuse. Named for Giuffre, who settled with Andrew for an undisclosed sum (reportedly around £12 million), it symbolizes a fight against elite impunity.

This isn’t isolated. Epstein’s network ensnared figures from Bill Clinton to Alan Dershowitz, with files revealing flights, payments, and messages. Prince Andrew’s association—infamous photos with Giuffre and his disastrous 2019 BBC interview—has made him a focal point.

Prince Andrew’s Epstein Shadow

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, eighth in line to the British throne, stepped back from royal duties post-2022 settlement. He insists the allegations are baseless, claiming no recollection of Giuffre and citing a flawed “sweating” defense in his interview.

Yet pressure mounts. UK police are now assessing a related claim against him, per recent reports, while Chappell Roan dropped her talent agency over Epstein ties—highlighting the scandal’s cultural ripple.[1]

US lawmakers’ involvement signals international stakes. Congress could subpoena Andrew, forcing testimony on his Epstein links. Refusal might strain US-UK relations, given shared intelligence pacts like Five Eyes.

Broader Implications for Accountability

This saga exposes systemic flaws in pursuing high-profile abusers. Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, orchestrated by Alex Acosta (later Trump’s Labor Secretary), granted leniency despite evidence of dozens of underage victims. Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2022 conviction brought some justice, but files unsealed in 2024 revealed more names.

Virginia’s Law could reshape civil litigation nationwide. If passed, it might reopen cases long deemed untriable, empowering survivors against institutions that protected predators. Critics warn of frivolous suits or endless liability, but proponents prioritize victim agency.

For Andrew, the clock ticks. Congressional testimony would mean sworn answers under oath, potentially under oath, with perjury risks. His silence so far contrasts with victims’ persistence.

Global Echoes and Next Steps

The Epstein files continue surfacing details, fueling documentaries, lawsuits, and probes. In the UK, public sentiment sours further—polls show majority support stripping Andrew’s titles.

As Democrats rally behind the bill, Republicans’ stance remains unclear, though victim advocacy transcends party lines. Police assessments in both nations could yield charges, amplifying calls for Andrew’s appearance.

Ultimately, this moment tests justice’s reach. Will Prince Andrew testify, or will royal privilege prevail? Victims like the Giuffres demand answers; lawmakers echo them. “Virginia’s Law” may ensure no clock ever runs out again.[1]

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Original source: BBC News – World – US lawmakers tell BBC Andrew should testify over Epstein files