Prince Andrew is attempting to block his accuser’s lawsuit by hiring a big time Hollywood lawyer with quite the catalogue of clients.
According to The Sun, the royal has recruited the services of Andrew B Brettler to represent him. The Brooklyn Law School alumnus has pedigree, after being named in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2019 Power Lawters and Hollywood’s Top 100 Attorneys. He was also named one of Southern California’s ‘super lawyers’ by trade publications two years ago. Brettler specialises in media and entertainment litigation and employment law.
And his list of previous clients features several controversial names. He represents Call Me By Your Name star Armie Hammer, who has been accused of rape; he’s also represented singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, Rihanna’s abuser Chris Brown, and Danny Masterson from That 70’s Show.
Prince Andrew, it’s understood, plans to challenge the U.S. court’s jurisdiction, also contesting that he was properly served with the lawsuit from his accuser Virginia Giuffre. His accuser’s lawyers, however, insist that he has been served court papers in accordance with English and international law. They say a copy of the summons was left with police at the gate of Windsor Royal Lodge on August 27th.
Mr Brettler’s new position was confirmed in a notice submitted to the court today by the royal’s legal team, confirming that he “enters this special appearance on behalf of Prince Andrew.” He will now attend the pre-trial hearing “for the purpose for contesting purported service of process and challenging jurisdiction.”
Ms Giuffre claims she was trafficked by Andrew’s former friend and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in order to have sex with the Prince. At the time the alleged incident took place, she was 17 and considered a minor under U.S. law.
Experts are warning that the civil case could take years to reach its conclusion though. Ms Giuffre may have to wait until at least 2024 before she has her day in court. She is seeking unspecified damages but there is speculation the sum could be in the millions of dollars.
