In 2019, Virginia Giuffre sued Alan Dershowitz, ambulance-chasing lawyer to the stars, in a suit where she claimed that not only had Dershowitz defamed her with his constant publicity, declaring that Giuffre had ‘‘deliberately framed [him] for financial reasons,” but also that Dershowitz was a co-conspirator in Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious child sex ring.
Catherine. I am still so angry about that. That poor young girl was on the witness stand for 9 days, being questioned by 5 lawyers. How could that even be allowed? It’s mind boggling. And those little f’ckers were always so smug, knowing they would get away with it. No one believed them. The legal system just doesn’t protect victims. 🇨🇦🇨🇦
No. It does not. It is a "rip their heart out", entirely fake system of justice in cases like these. The young woman was as brave as any person I can think of.
Trigger alert - below I will spell out the words implied by F followed by asterisks, not for gratuitous purposes but rather because it is the meaning of the words implied in certain
contexts, in this case Rape. I don’t intend here to be critical of anyone commenting here, rather I hope to suggest a deeper consideration of the ways we think and talk about rape and the “f-word.” Full disclosure, I am making this analysis as both a Sociologist, and survivor of childhood rape.
I suspect, given my own experience, and what I’ve learned about various forms of sexual violence, this F*****’s old ugliness was of little relevance to what Virginia “allegedly” experienced when that man RAPED her (“allegedly” only because somehow the thorough testimony of so many women RAPED as Children, and all the other evidence, is somehow not enough to “prove rape”, especially when the RAPISTS are stinking rich powerful men)
From the perspective of the child victim, what the RAPIST looks like or how old he is when RAPING her does not make it more or less horrible. We have to be careful that RAPE is never thought of, nor spoken of, as if it has anything to do with normal, consensual, sexual attraction or activity. Rape is a completely separate category of behavior. Even as a survivor myself, it is too easy to slide into our society’s normalization of RAPE, as if it is just a rougher version of sex. Too frequently, I hear people dismiss a RAPE victim’s suffering and trauma because after all, “it’s just sex”.
But it’s not.
Defining Rape as just some category of sex is particularly offensive when the victim is child. How do we shrug off the trauma of Rape to a Child? PTSD, a common diagnosis for child victims of Rape is described as a NORMAL REACTION to an ABNORMAL CONDITIONS. Being forced into a sexually violent relationship with an adult is a particularly awful abnormal condition for a child, even if the raped continues over time, or she is Raped by different people over a period of time.
I recently read that researchers have found that cases of PTSD caused by Rape while a child are more severe than those cases brought on by military service. Furthermore, people diagnosed with PTSD who were both victims of rape in childhood and served in the military during a war is more sever than when just one of these traumatic events occur. (I couldn’t find my copy of this article - I apologize for the lack of citation for this article
A child victim of Rape may struggle reconciling the Rapist’s usual role in the child’s life with the violence & trauma of the Rape. For instance, I will never forgot struggling to understood whether not what my Grandfather did to me was bad or not: I felt sick from it, but, he was my Grandfather, part of my family - he was supposed to take care of his grandchildren, keep us safe.
I imagine that every girl that Epstein & Maxwell got their hands on went through similar internal struggles, the contradictions, not knowing how much to trust themselves, or the people manipulating and Raping them. These are the truly abnormal conditions involved in the Rape of Children, with consequences that last a lifetime.
One last issue -it’s interesting how we use the word Fuck in the context of the act of sex and Rape. To me, the word connote’s Power (over), Force, Violence. Even as a curse word, the essence of Power and Dominance gives the word that sharpness, the way it spits out of your mouth when you are angry.
In Porno, or the pseudo-pornography of R-rated films, the meaning of word FUCK reflects a hyper-masculine, misogynist force around which all other roles orbit.
Perhaps one of negative affects of pornography is the degree to which it blurs the line between consensual sex and Rape.consider the near comical scripted sounds of sexual pleasure, with the enactment of violent dehumanization of the person being “fucked.”The opposing roles of Fucker and Fucked are played out, the former as doer, the latter as subordinate object that the former acts upon.
Within this dyad, the RAPE victim can not be a Fucker, can not Fuck anyone. Even if the victim is forced to enact a role of fucking someone, their lack of physical dominance that such a role implies only further emphasizes the superior power of the Rapist, and the victims dehumanization.
I hear you Rhonda. Believe me, I did not mean to minimize the violence of the act or attach any degree of consensus by the girls. It irritates me greatly when the phrase sexual assault is used over and over. I say to call it what it is… RAPE!!! No euphemisms needed here.
I appreciate you and others who give your in scouring through all of this unpleasant trash, bringing us the truth clarity after decades of deflections and lies. This mess needs to be revealed and offenders held accountable. Thank you for your tireless searches, Ellie.
And therein lies the continuing means to destroy their victims over and over decade after decade. The predator's money, prestige, power and boys club type mentality vs the girl's attorney who likely has far less experience and connections.
I have ALWAYS wondered why there is not a court designed to address women's issues like rape, assault and trafficking that is comprised of all women - in every state. Is it not time? It is time that the shame be put on the boys and men and the punishment decided by women.
Thanks for mentioning SN who was responsible for getting the suit against GM. She brought the suits to light and eventually that suit brought Prince A down. The settlements with the victims kept the rest hidden and the perpetrators from seeing cells. SM went from a little-known lawyer in FL to national acclaim. $ over Justice it seems. But, those NDA’s were responsible for silence and DJT seemed to use those from the start. The perpetrators had the money and used it to escape. I heard someone once say, “It’s not the money so much as what it can do for you.”
David BOIES is a criminal who forced me forward against my will to speak truth abt this atrocious DBAG, in spite of threats against my life by Maxwell. NO ONE LIKES THE BAG-o-Bones-BOIES. NO ONE. His best friend raped victims of Epstein as he colluded against victims and ignored their cries. He worked IN THE DARK with Brad effing EDWARDS, the biggest criminal of all. They walked away netting hundreds of millions and supposed they resorted their reputations. One problem. I’m still alive to fight for truth against these criminal coconspirators.
I'm also confused about this and the timeline, as well. Why was AD coaching DB? Had VG decided to bring the suit; DB informed AD; AD says he'll pay her off if she makes this statement; VG goes ahead with the suit? Or were DB and AD working together?
I’m lost. Why would they be talking about an accusation 3 years before it was even made? And if they knew she was going to make an accusation, why did that lawyer take her case- it was unethical for him to do so. I still don’t understand what was happening in 2015 because neither are omniscient. There is a lot of info missing…
Thank you for your deep dive and research. When I read that email from Dersh, I thought the same thing! That you pulled together the timeline really reenforces that Virginia settled for a lump sum payout. He’s guilty AF!
Dershowitz threatened to sue the pierogi vender on Martha’s Vineyard who refused to sell to him. He keeps going back and threatening the PRIVATE business owner but they are holding the line.
Like the famous quote, "I never had sex with that woman" - if it's only oral, it doesn't count. For AD, is it the same as, if I kept my stinky underwear on, I didn't have sex? Gross, weird and total BS.
I cannot thank you enough @Ellie Leonard for all the time & effort you put into this subject. I was abused as a small child but old enough to remember it. I never told anyone but my mother caught him. Because it was a family member, no police were involved. She only told my oldest brother who died at age 27, as he was her confidant of sorts, being the oldest (18) of us 6 kids. I was told he cried like a baby hearing this had happened to me. I was 5 yrs old the first time & It went on for several years. I never said a word to my mom as I vividly remember how upset she had been when she caught him the first time. None of my other siblings knew.
Several years ago when the “me too” movement was in the news, I told my oldest living brother who was in his 70’s and he was shocked & dumbfounded - asking me why he was just hearing about all this? 50+ years later. I told him I only finally came out with it because he like many men his age were poo pooing the “me too” movement. And I couldn’t sit thru it any longer. I told him the reason why I never told anyone was because of attitudes such as that! We are vey close but I’m 11 yrs younger than him & that’s a big divide in subjects such as this. He finally gets it now. By the way? It wasn’t just one person but 3 when I was a child. And one rape at the age of 18. Turns out my sister had the same (original) abuser when she was a young child - I guess when she got too old? I was next in line as I am 6 yrs younger than she.
It caused a lot of PTSD for me in relationships/dating but I found the love of my life at 19 - a guy I had a crush on in HS for years…..lol.( 2 grades ahead of me)…..We started dating when I was 19, he was 20. He was so understanding, patient & kind.
We just celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary this past July. It took me years to tell him of the things i’d gone thru & now at age 68? I still have not told it all. I don’t feel the need to any longer. I’ve forgiven those people because I felt it as the only way to get past it & lift that rock off my shoulder. My hubby’s love for me helped me see that. I said I’ve forgiven them but of course one never forgets. But lifting that rock off my shoulders with forgiving them in my case was just what I needed to move on & live my blessed life with my best friend/husband. I wish all victims could find a way to find peace as I was lucky enough to find with a caring life partner. I wish them all the happiness & peace they can find.
Thankfully it’s changing. I’m sure a lot more will come out as time goes by - especially since we have brave compassionate writers like you to help that process along & to be a voice for the voiceless. Thank you Ellie from the bottom of my heart !
Andrew Cuomo is probably watching. Maybe he and Dershowitz could lead a panel discussion on sexual abuse at the Four Seasons Total Landscaping venue. I’m sure Rudy could make it.
Omg. I forgot all about that in the onslaught of chaos! How could I forget? That was the best day! One of those days you think, “I must be in a f’d up version of the Truman show… this is some crazy shit.”
"And for that, I hope he always has a platform on Chris Cuomo. Because Lord knows no one’s watching."
Owww! A feint and then the uppercut. You are a slick fighter - I wouldn't want to get in the ring with you!
John, I was thinking the same thing. Brava, Ellie.
Agreed
No one’s watching 😂😂😂😂😂😂
This goes deep and has so many disgusting old men involved.
Maybe not in this case but you'd be surprised how many young men love to rape trafficked children.
All too true. Such as feckless young hockey players in Canada...
Catherine. I am still so angry about that. That poor young girl was on the witness stand for 9 days, being questioned by 5 lawyers. How could that even be allowed? It’s mind boggling. And those little f’ckers were always so smug, knowing they would get away with it. No one believed them. The legal system just doesn’t protect victims. 🇨🇦🇨🇦
No. It does not. It is a "rip their heart out", entirely fake system of justice in cases like these. The young woman was as brave as any person I can think of.
So very true.
I hope and pray that they ALL are exposed and are held accountable
I can’t believe that that poor girl had to f*** that ugly old f**ker! Blecchhh!
Trigger alert - below I will spell out the words implied by F followed by asterisks, not for gratuitous purposes but rather because it is the meaning of the words implied in certain
contexts, in this case Rape. I don’t intend here to be critical of anyone commenting here, rather I hope to suggest a deeper consideration of the ways we think and talk about rape and the “f-word.” Full disclosure, I am making this analysis as both a Sociologist, and survivor of childhood rape.
I suspect, given my own experience, and what I’ve learned about various forms of sexual violence, this F*****’s old ugliness was of little relevance to what Virginia “allegedly” experienced when that man RAPED her (“allegedly” only because somehow the thorough testimony of so many women RAPED as Children, and all the other evidence, is somehow not enough to “prove rape”, especially when the RAPISTS are stinking rich powerful men)
From the perspective of the child victim, what the RAPIST looks like or how old he is when RAPING her does not make it more or less horrible. We have to be careful that RAPE is never thought of, nor spoken of, as if it has anything to do with normal, consensual, sexual attraction or activity. Rape is a completely separate category of behavior. Even as a survivor myself, it is too easy to slide into our society’s normalization of RAPE, as if it is just a rougher version of sex. Too frequently, I hear people dismiss a RAPE victim’s suffering and trauma because after all, “it’s just sex”.
But it’s not.
Defining Rape as just some category of sex is particularly offensive when the victim is child. How do we shrug off the trauma of Rape to a Child? PTSD, a common diagnosis for child victims of Rape is described as a NORMAL REACTION to an ABNORMAL CONDITIONS. Being forced into a sexually violent relationship with an adult is a particularly awful abnormal condition for a child, even if the raped continues over time, or she is Raped by different people over a period of time.
I recently read that researchers have found that cases of PTSD caused by Rape while a child are more severe than those cases brought on by military service. Furthermore, people diagnosed with PTSD who were both victims of rape in childhood and served in the military during a war is more sever than when just one of these traumatic events occur. (I couldn’t find my copy of this article - I apologize for the lack of citation for this article
A child victim of Rape may struggle reconciling the Rapist’s usual role in the child’s life with the violence & trauma of the Rape. For instance, I will never forgot struggling to understood whether not what my Grandfather did to me was bad or not: I felt sick from it, but, he was my Grandfather, part of my family - he was supposed to take care of his grandchildren, keep us safe.
I imagine that every girl that Epstein & Maxwell got their hands on went through similar internal struggles, the contradictions, not knowing how much to trust themselves, or the people manipulating and Raping them. These are the truly abnormal conditions involved in the Rape of Children, with consequences that last a lifetime.
One last issue -it’s interesting how we use the word Fuck in the context of the act of sex and Rape. To me, the word connote’s Power (over), Force, Violence. Even as a curse word, the essence of Power and Dominance gives the word that sharpness, the way it spits out of your mouth when you are angry.
In Porno, or the pseudo-pornography of R-rated films, the meaning of word FUCK reflects a hyper-masculine, misogynist force around which all other roles orbit.
Perhaps one of negative affects of pornography is the degree to which it blurs the line between consensual sex and Rape.consider the near comical scripted sounds of sexual pleasure, with the enactment of violent dehumanization of the person being “fucked.”The opposing roles of Fucker and Fucked are played out, the former as doer, the latter as subordinate object that the former acts upon.
Within this dyad, the RAPE victim can not be a Fucker, can not Fuck anyone. Even if the victim is forced to enact a role of fucking someone, their lack of physical dominance that such a role implies only further emphasizes the superior power of the Rapist, and the victims dehumanization.
I hear you Rhonda. Believe me, I did not mean to minimize the violence of the act or attach any degree of consensus by the girls. It irritates me greatly when the phrase sexual assault is used over and over. I say to call it what it is… RAPE!!! No euphemisms needed here.
Seriously!!! Look at him! 🤮
Nobody would want to be with these disgusting old men. They're despicable.
I appreciate you and others who give your in scouring through all of this unpleasant trash, bringing us the truth clarity after decades of deflections and lies. This mess needs to be revealed and offenders held accountable. Thank you for your tireless searches, Ellie.
And therein lies the continuing means to destroy their victims over and over decade after decade. The predator's money, prestige, power and boys club type mentality vs the girl's attorney who likely has far less experience and connections.
I have ALWAYS wondered why there is not a court designed to address women's issues like rape, assault and trafficking that is comprised of all women - in every state. Is it not time? It is time that the shame be put on the boys and men and the punishment decided by women.
Women lawyers representing the abuser May help unless it is the likes of PB.
Sigrid McNasty betrayed us all. Jennifer Freeman is THE FEMALE LAWYER and I will tell the world.
Thanks for mentioning SN who was responsible for getting the suit against GM. She brought the suits to light and eventually that suit brought Prince A down. The settlements with the victims kept the rest hidden and the perpetrators from seeing cells. SM went from a little-known lawyer in FL to national acclaim. $ over Justice it seems. But, those NDA’s were responsible for silence and DJT seemed to use those from the start. The perpetrators had the money and used it to escape. I heard someone once say, “It’s not the money so much as what it can do for you.”
How about a clue as to who PB is?
PB?
Bondi
Ohhhh - all my mom brain kept repeating was peanut butter!!! PB who???? Thanks and I cannot wait for her arrest!!
I believe she means Pam Bondi!
Does Virginia’s family have any thoughts about her lawyer, David Boies, working in her best interests? Could be this was a lawyer to lawyer deal?
David BOIES is a criminal who forced me forward against my will to speak truth abt this atrocious DBAG, in spite of threats against my life by Maxwell. NO ONE LIKES THE BAG-o-Bones-BOIES. NO ONE. His best friend raped victims of Epstein as he colluded against victims and ignored their cries. He worked IN THE DARK with Brad effing EDWARDS, the biggest criminal of all. They walked away netting hundreds of millions and supposed they resorted their reputations. One problem. I’m still alive to fight for truth against these criminal coconspirators.
DAVID AND SIGRID USE PPL TO DEATH!
I'm also confused about this and the timeline, as well. Why was AD coaching DB? Had VG decided to bring the suit; DB informed AD; AD says he'll pay her off if she makes this statement; VG goes ahead with the suit? Or were DB and AD working together?
Excellent questions. Were DB and AD working together essentially to mitigate the damage to AD?
David Boies was not a good lawyer for Virginia
I’m lost. Why would they be talking about an accusation 3 years before it was even made? And if they knew she was going to make an accusation, why did that lawyer take her case- it was unethical for him to do so. I still don’t understand what was happening in 2015 because neither are omniscient. There is a lot of info missing…
Itʼs always Lawyer to Lawyer deals & Judges play Lawyers. They are all in it together, especially when it comes to this!
Note, too, in her book, Giuffre speaks of a settlement. Dershowitz likely paid her to drop her suit.
Thank you for your deep dive and research. When I read that email from Dersh, I thought the same thing! That you pulled together the timeline really reenforces that Virginia settled for a lump sum payout. He’s guilty AF!
Dershowitz threatened to sue the pierogi vender on Martha’s Vineyard who refused to sell to him. He keeps going back and threatening the PRIVATE business owner but they are holding the line.
He threatens me and labels me ANTI bc that’s his MO
OMG! What a freaking bully!
I seem to remember him claiming a few years ago that he never took off his underwear, but I don’t recall what situation he was referring to.
Like the famous quote, "I never had sex with that woman" - if it's only oral, it doesn't count. For AD, is it the same as, if I kept my stinky underwear on, I didn't have sex? Gross, weird and total BS.
Ewwwww!
.. that was his comment referring to “massages”… (barf)
Borat film
Perhaps he wasn’t wearing underwear to begin with?
He said that when asked about getting a massage at one of Epsteins homes. I don't know the time period we're talking about. I'd guess Elle would know.
Ellie Leonard - you rock. 👊🌞🌟🌝
DISBARMENT FOR DERSHOWITZ! Disgraceful behavior!
Good work, Ellie!! Is there any way to make sure that even "mainstream media" pick this up and spread it widely?
I think there are some great journalists quietly lurking on Substack so hopefully they see it ;)
I cannot thank you enough @Ellie Leonard for all the time & effort you put into this subject. I was abused as a small child but old enough to remember it. I never told anyone but my mother caught him. Because it was a family member, no police were involved. She only told my oldest brother who died at age 27, as he was her confidant of sorts, being the oldest (18) of us 6 kids. I was told he cried like a baby hearing this had happened to me. I was 5 yrs old the first time & It went on for several years. I never said a word to my mom as I vividly remember how upset she had been when she caught him the first time. None of my other siblings knew.
Several years ago when the “me too” movement was in the news, I told my oldest living brother who was in his 70’s and he was shocked & dumbfounded - asking me why he was just hearing about all this? 50+ years later. I told him I only finally came out with it because he like many men his age were poo pooing the “me too” movement. And I couldn’t sit thru it any longer. I told him the reason why I never told anyone was because of attitudes such as that! We are vey close but I’m 11 yrs younger than him & that’s a big divide in subjects such as this. He finally gets it now. By the way? It wasn’t just one person but 3 when I was a child. And one rape at the age of 18. Turns out my sister had the same (original) abuser when she was a young child - I guess when she got too old? I was next in line as I am 6 yrs younger than she.
It caused a lot of PTSD for me in relationships/dating but I found the love of my life at 19 - a guy I had a crush on in HS for years…..lol.( 2 grades ahead of me)…..We started dating when I was 19, he was 20. He was so understanding, patient & kind.
We just celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary this past July. It took me years to tell him of the things i’d gone thru & now at age 68? I still have not told it all. I don’t feel the need to any longer. I’ve forgiven those people because I felt it as the only way to get past it & lift that rock off my shoulder. My hubby’s love for me helped me see that. I said I’ve forgiven them but of course one never forgets. But lifting that rock off my shoulders with forgiving them in my case was just what I needed to move on & live my blessed life with my best friend/husband. I wish all victims could find a way to find peace as I was lucky enough to find with a caring life partner. I wish them all the happiness & peace they can find.
Thankfully it’s changing. I’m sure a lot more will come out as time goes by - especially since we have brave compassionate writers like you to help that process along & to be a voice for the voiceless. Thank you Ellie from the bottom of my heart !
You keep digging. You’re putting pieces together for all of us…and you’re really good at it so don’t give up!
Has Tara Palmeri (The Red Letter) SUBSTACK seen this?
Ideally, which journalist/publication would you want to pursue this aspect of the story?
He is such a dirt bag. I dont know how you stay sane looking at all this but glad you are doing it.
And, he will leave this earth knowing the hard truth and what he did to boost the image of those criminals he defended.
Oh my. Harvard Law has all of AD emails, with his official Harvard email address. Not personal, and doesn't sound like Harvard business.
Andrew Cuomo is probably watching. Maybe he and Dershowitz could lead a panel discussion on sexual abuse at the Four Seasons Total Landscaping venue. I’m sure Rudy could make it.
Omg. I forgot all about that in the onslaught of chaos! How could I forget? That was the best day! One of those days you think, “I must be in a f’d up version of the Truman show… this is some crazy shit.”
Thanks for the reminder.
🤣😆 🙏 I just remember Rudy’s black shoe polish running down his face…😂
Oh God, yes. What a spectacle. Read the Wikipedia, it’s a hoot.
😆😂🤣 "Make America Rake Again.”