Smart's Plea After Giuffre's Suicide

Elizabeth Smart has voiced her deep sorrow and heartbreak following the recent suicide of Virginia Giuffre, stating, "we failed her." Smart, who endured her own traumatic teenage kidnapping and abuse, views Giuffre's death as a tragic consequence of the profound toll sexual violence can inflict. She believes this event should serve as a critical wake-up call for society to confront the severity of sexual abuse and its lasting effects, particularly in light of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Smart is speaking out as she prepares to release her latest book, 'Detours: Hope & Growth After Life's Hardest Turns.' This book aims to provide readers with guidance on coping with life's unforeseen challenges and finding a way forward after experiencing loss or trauma. She emphasizes that it is normal to grieve the life one imagined and encourages seeking support during difficult times.

Giuffre, an outspoken accuser of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, died by suicide in April 2025. Her bravery in speaking out had significant repercussions, contributing to Epstein's pending trial and Maxwell's conviction. Giuffre's own memoir shed light on her experiences, and recent congressional action has demanded the release of Epstein investigation files.