After surviving Jeffrey Epstein and helping expose one of the biggest sexual abuse scandals in modern history, Virginia Giuffre became a global symbol of courage. But her story didn't end there.

Award-winning Good Weekend senior writer Melissa Fyfe joins Fourth Estate to discuss her extraordinary investigation into the final months of Giuffre's life — examining allegations of domestic violence, coercive control and institutional failures, and what her story reveals about trauma, violence against women and the media's reporting of survivors.

We also pay tribute to one of Australian journalism's most influential and polarising figures, Derryn Hinch. Journalist and media historian Andrew Dodd reflects on Hinch's remarkable career, his battles with the courts, his move into politics, and the complicated legacy of a broadcaster who forever blurred the lines between reporting, advocacy and activism.

Further reading and listening:

Good Weekend: "Isolated, scared, forlorn: The heartbreaking final months of Virginia Giuffre's life" by Melissa Fyfe and Carla Hildebrandt.
Virginia: Melissa Fyfe and Carla Hildebrandt's four-part investigative podcast from The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Weekend.
The Conversation: "Derryn Hinch was a bombastic journalist fuelled by imperfect principles and righteous outrage" by Andrew Dodd.

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, domestic and family violence, and suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Get in touch:

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠fourthestate@2ser.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or tweet us at ⁠⁠⁠@fourthestateau⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices