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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

VG/Prince Andrew - to say I wasn’t sure before but I believe her

999 replies

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 07:05

I posted in a thread after the Prince Andrew interview, and although I didn’t believe him about everything he said, I wasn’t wholly convinced at that time that he was lying about sleeping with young girls, about seeing things in Epstein’s houses that should have repelled him, about having sex with Virginia Roberts in particular. I just didn’t think there was certainty to be had.

I am convinced now. I believed every word she was allowed to say last night and I am only sad they didn’t give her more air time. Prince Andrew has very serious questions to answer.

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BetterABird · 03/12/2019 07:33

I've only seen a short clip but was about to start a similar thread. I believe her.

ZebrasAreHorsesInPyjamas · 03/12/2019 07:34

I haven't been watching it all very closely at all, and have no clue as to who is telling the truth. But to be honest, the only thing that keeps springing to my mind (and maybe this has been covered in the news and I've missed it, in which case I should probably shut up), is where were her parents in all this? Why was she allowed to go to the UK with some bloke? What reason would be good enough to allow your 17 year old daughter to swan off to another country with some middle aged bloke. What am I missing / have I missed?

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 07:35

ZebrasAreHorsesInPyjamas

She says she was abused from a young age. She says her life at home was unbearable. I’m not sure she needs to justify it beyond that - it doesn’t change what PA did or didn’t do.

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SimonJT · 03/12/2019 07:37

I genuinely worry that the TV interviews could damage the chances of a conviction.

If she was brought to the UK there will be records of the flight, this will include names (as stated on passports) of all those on the aeroplane including crew. So if she was brought here they will be able to find evidence.

NotTonightJosepheen · 03/12/2019 07:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

longearedbat · 03/12/2019 07:41

Prince Andrew has personal protection officers afaik. As they accompany him every where in public, surely they could confirm or deny where he was at any given time.

BetterABird · 03/12/2019 07:43

If she was brought to the UK there will be records of the flight, this will include names (as stated on passports) of all those on the aeroplane including crew. So if she was brought here they will be able to find evidence.

Really? In which case where is Ghislaine?

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 07:43

Personal Protection Officers working for the Royal Family will not confirm or deny anything, in my opinion. And if they did I wouldn’t believe them anyway.

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GiveHerHellFromUs · 03/12/2019 07:49

I really wanted to believe him until his interview a couple of weeks ago where he just wouldn't answer a question properly and looked guilty as sin.

He knew exactly what he was doing and I believe he was almost definitely involved.

Passthecherrycoke · 03/12/2019 07:52

I believed her anyway (why wouldn’t you- older men are taking advantage of young women and girls every day of the week) but unfortunately I don’t think she came across massively well and worry that’s going to swing in Andrews favour with the public Sad

Shouldn’t have to think like that but if people didn’t you wouldn’t have started the thread so you know...

Vulpine · 03/12/2019 07:52

She must be relieved thenHmm

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 07:54

I thought she came across very well.

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Passthecherrycoke · 03/12/2019 07:56

I don’t believe there is any chance of conviction anyway. My understanding is the the law against having sex with trafficked women was only brought in in 2003, after this happened. As far as we know, criminal charges aren’t even on the table, anywhere in the world

ferrier · 03/12/2019 07:57

I believed her anyway (why wouldn’t you- older men are taking advantage of young women and girls every day of the week)

Oh let's do away with innocent until proven guilty eh? Hmm

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 07:58

I agree, Pass. But if it is true (and I believe it is) his moral culpability is now the issue, for doing this and then lying about it.

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AJPTaylor · 03/12/2019 07:59

What he did was morally reprehensible. Illegal then? Or now?
Either way it gives an insight to the Royal Family that is utterly damaging

Passthecherrycoke · 03/12/2019 08:00

Innocent until proven guilty is a direction given to a jury in a criminal trial. Hmm

It has no standing whatsoever on my thoughts in this situation

CodenameVillanelle · 03/12/2019 08:00

There is far FAR more chance that a rich, older man raised on entitlement who spends time with proven paedophiles DID abuse a trafficked young woman than that she is lying.
That's just how the world works. We make assessments based on probability all the time - innocent until proven guilty is the standard for conviction in court, not likelihood that something actually happened

GertrudeCB · 03/12/2019 08:01

I believe her, PA is lying through his teeth and arrogant enough to think that he is above the law.

CodenameVillanelle · 03/12/2019 08:01

How about assuming that VC is 'innocent (of lying) until proven guilty'? Or does the benefit of the doubt only apply to men accused of rape?

ItCouldHaveBeenMeCouldNotHaha · 03/12/2019 08:03

I haven't seen either interview. I do have a question though, was this in the UK? Age of consent is 16 isn't it? A 17 year old isn't underage. I am not saying it's morally right at all. Or was she 17 and raped by Prince Andrew when he was older?
Sorry like I said I haven't watched either interview.

churchandstate · 03/12/2019 08:03

We don’t have to assume his innocence. We’re not in a jury. It’s a simple question of whether we believe her or not, and everyone is at liberty to say what they think.

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churchandstate · 03/12/2019 08:04

ItCouldHaveBeenMeCouldNotHaha

On one occasion it was in the UK, and once in New York and once on JE’s island (according to her claims). She was 17.

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GertrudeCB · 03/12/2019 08:05

was she 17 and raped by Prince Andrew when he was older?
She was coerced, therefore consent could not be given, IMO

Passthecherrycoke · 03/12/2019 08:06

She was trafficked by Epstein. It became a crime in 2003 to have Sex with a person who has been trafficked into the country. But this was before then. Now, it would be a crime

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