Dear Virginia Giuffre,

I didn't see this coming. You accepted a settlement. From Prince Andrew. The man who allegedly abused you multiple times while you were still a minor. The truth had to come out. You held on. That was brave because wow, you must have faced a lot of resistance. And every time, that band-aid had to be ripped off that wound, removing the healing scab each time. But now, with the finish line in sight, you accepted a settlement. We had to take a moment to process that because didn't you just let him win after all? And isn't that exactly what you wanted to prevent, that the wealthy could get away with everything?

Yet I understand you. Because your goal has largely been achieved. He has lost his titles, his photo has been erased from the merchandise that tourists can buy (that must have really hurt), he has been ridiculed all over the world, and everyone has seen his explanation for why he couldn't have been the one who raped you as a textbook example of a bad media appearance. He wouldn't be able to sweat as a result of the traumas he experienced in the Falklands War. Sure, Andrew.

So there wasn't much left of the stature of Prince Andrew. And don't we also see reaching a settlement as a form of admitting guilt? And what the headlines of the newspapers don't tell is that you also negotiated a large sum that goes to Victim Support. I heard whispers that around 12 million is coming your way. I wish you that. You fought, you were vulnerable and strong. You have shown many women that it pays off to tell your story and to confront the beast. Of course, there is a lot to say about Andrew getting away with it and that his mother is once again cleaning up his mess with a bucket of soapy water, but right now it's about you. I hope you got what you wanted. Recognition, justice, money for other victims, and a shitload of money with which you can hopefully buy everything that eases your pain a little. If you need some inspiration regarding that: you know where to find me.

Love,
May-Britt

Image: Prince Andrew, Virginia Roberts, and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001