Prince Andrew has reportedly managed to avoid facing another sex assault case after Johanna Sjoberg, who accused him of groping her, failed to meet the legal deadline to file her case. This comes as the disgraced royal is set to be named in newly unsealed court documents related to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this reprieve, Andrew's friendship with Epstein is expected to face renewed scrutiny as more court papers are set to be made public.
Missed Deadline
Johanna Sjoberg, who claims Andrew groped her breast at Epstein's New York mansion in 2001, had until a month ago to file her case. However, she did not meet the deadline, according to sources.
Relief for Prince Andrew
Andrew is said to be "mightily relieved" to have avoided a second civil case in New York and is looking to rebuild his image. His first legal battle cost him a reported £12 million in an out-of-court settlement to Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell of directing her to have sex with Andrew and other men.
Release of Court Documents
Newly unsealed court documents will include material relating to Johanna Sjoberg as well as details about a hidden email account belonging to Maxwell, which could reveal conversations with Andrew. The files are expected to contain emails, legal documents, and depositions related to Epstein's high-profile associates, victims, friends, recruiters, and more. It is the eighth and likely final release from a defamation case filed against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre.
Other Names to be Revealed
Over 170 names, including Andrew and former US President Bill Clinton, are expected to be unsealed in relation to the defamation case. However, there is no suggestion that any of those named are accused of any wrongdoing. Other famous associates of Epstein, such as Bill Gates and Ehud Barak, are also awaiting the release of the list.
Prince Andrew's Denials
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he had never met Virginia Giuffre. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial, and Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
