BBC News Briefing

20 October, 2025

Alex has dark blonde, bobbed hair and is smiling. She is wearing a dark grey, high-necked top with a pink jumper on top.

Alex Binley

Hello. The BBC has obtained a copy of Epstein-accuser Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, Nobody's Girl, ahead of its publication on Tuesday - and almost six months after she took her own life. Culture reporter Noor Nanji reports on the claims made in it. In France, a spate of museum robberies, now including the Louvre, raises questions about security. And finally, dazzling pictures capture India's Diwali celebrations.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Giuffre feared she might 'die a sex slave' at hands of Epstein and his circle, memoir reveals

Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew in a photo reportedly taken in London in 2001 - he has his hand around her waist and both are smiling at the camera. They are inside a property, and Ghislaine Maxwell can be seen in the background, also smiling

Virginia Giuffre said she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew on three separate occasions. Credit: Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre feared she might "die a sex slave" at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and his circle, her book reveals. It paints a picture of a web of rich and powerful people abusing young women, as Ms Giuffre details the abuse Epstein put her through, including sadomasochistic sex, which caused her "so much pain that I prayed I would black out". Ms Giuffre also says she had sex with Prince Andrew on three separate occasions. Although her alleged interactions with the prince have been widely reported, the book puts him under further scrutiny. Prince Andrew reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022 and has always denied any wrongdoing.

More from Noor

Met Police: The force has said it's looking into reports Prince Andrew tried to obtain information about Ms Giuffre through his police protection.

Why now? Royal correspondent Sean Coughlan examines why Prince Andrew has finally decided to give up his titles.

What it means: Find out whether Prince Andrew's day-to-day life will change much, after giving up his titles.

WORLD HEADLINES

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Where does Democratic opposition go next?

Millions joined US anti-Trump protests at the weekend, but Democrats are less popular than the president and divided.

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Read more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Drones: British soldiers are set to be granted new powers to shoot down drones near military bases.

Brexit: The UK's deal to leave the EU caused long-term economic damage, the chancellor told a meeting of leading finance ministers and bankers.

V-levels: A new vocational qualification is to be brought in for 16-year-olds in England in a bid to simplify a "confusing landscape" of qualifications.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Stolen treasures, a dropped crown and serious questions for Louvre security

Stolen jewels from the Louvre Museum - A sapphire crown, an emerald and diamond necklace and an ornate heavy crown

While the items stolen are recognisable, it is thought they could be melted down and the jewels sold off. Credit: AP

France has been left stunned by the most audacious robbery at the Louvre museum since the Mona Lisa disappeared in 1911, with thieves taking what remains of the French crown jewels - you can see what was stolen here. While the most high-profile, it's not the only French museum to be targeted by an art gang in recent weeks, and raises questions about their vulnerability, writes Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield.