Virginia Giuffre's claim that she had 'four days to live' was made public in error, her family said on Tuesday. It came as mystery continued to swirl over her injuries following a car crash as police described it as a 'minor' incident.
The disturbing post, in which Ms Giuffre, née Roberts - who claimed she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and that Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her - recounted details of the incident, was shared publicly online on Sunday.
A statement released by Ms Giuffre's family amid the confusion last night said: 'Virginia thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support. She is overwhelmed with gratitude.
'Today she remains in serious condition while receiving medical care. On March 24, in rural Western Australia, a school bus hit the car in which she was riding.
The police were called but said there was no one available to come to the scene. 'They asked if anyone was injured and suggested that if they were, they should make their way to the hospital. 'The school bus driver had a bus full of distraught children and left the scene to get them back, saying he would file a police report, which he did later.
'Virginia was banged up and bruised and returned home. Her condition worsened and she was admitted to the hospital. 'Concerning her Instagram post, Virginia thought she had posted on her private Facebook page. 'Virginia and her family thank everyone for their concern.'
Ms Giuffre, 41, had posted on Instagram on Sunday night that she was involved in a collision with a school bus. She said she had 'gone into kidney renal failure', adding: 'They've given me four days to live.' Ms Giuffre shared a photo in a hospital bed to Instagram, showing her with a bruised face.
'I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time, ' the post said. 'Thank you all for being the wonderful people of the world and for being a great part of my life. God bless you all.'
But police in Western Australia, where she now lives, yesterday described the crash which she is believed to have been involved in as 'minor'. A Western Australia Police Force spokesman said no injuries were reported after the incident near Perth.
The collision was reported by the bus driver the following day and the car involved sustained about A$2,000 (€1,160) worth of damage, police said.
Local media reported Ms Giuffre was a passenger in the car and the driver was a 71-year-old woman. Ms Giuffre reportedly sought medical attention at a hospital for a pre-existing condition.
Tests revealed issues with her kidney. She was discharged the next day, and then reportedly taken to a different hospital by ambulance seeking treatment for pain.
Ms Giuffre recently separated from her husband, Robert, and claimed she was estranged from their three teenage children. Ms Giuffre's father, Sky Roberts, had said he was 'sick to my stomach' but unable to fly from Florida to be with his daughter in Australia.
He said the crash unfolded a couple of days ago but while he had not spoken with his daughter since, his son, Ms Giuffre's brother, had been in regular contact with her. 'She's in really bad shape,' her father added. Ms Giuffre was thrown into the spotlight after she launched and settled legal action against Epstein.
In 2021, she sued Andrew for sexual assault. The following year, she received an out-of-court settlement, which accepted no liability.
Andrew has rejected her claims and has never been charged with any criminal offence. Ms Giuffre's representatives have been contacted for comment.
