Prince Andrew reached a multi-million-pound settlement with Giuffre in February 2022, addressing her allegations of s*xual abuse during her underage years in the United States.
Dershowitz contends that Andrew made a "terrible mistake" by opting for a settlement, speculating that he might have been pressured by his mother to take this course of action. The lawyer believes that if Andrew had contested the case, he could have prevailed and had it dismissed on various grounds.
Expressing sympathy for Prince Andrew, Dershowitz suggests that settling a case doesn't necessarily indicate guilt but could stem from a desire to avoid admitting other actions. He emphasizes the potential impact of depositions and the reluctance to endure them as a motivating factor behind the decision to settle.
Dershowitz also mentions that, assuming the accusations against Prince Andrew are accurate, Giuffre was reportedly over the age of consent and had boasted about the situation to her friends. Despite expressing sympathy for Andrew, the lawyer's comments underscore the complex nature of legal proceedings and public perceptions surrounding the case.