Short Answer
Alan Dershowitz retired from Harvard Law School in 2013 and has remained active as a public commentator, author, and media figure. Virginia Giuffre withdrew her defamation lawsuit against him in 2023, which Dershowitz described as a vindication. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
In Detail
Alan Dershowitz is one of the most prominent legal figures associated with the Epstein case, having served as a member of Epstein’s defense team in the 2008 Florida prosecution and having subsequently been accused of participating in Epstein’s abuse by Virginia Giuffre.
The Giuffre Accusation
Giuffre (formerly Virginia Roberts) alleged in a civil declaration filed in 2014, and subsequently in a lawsuit, that Epstein directed her to have sex with Dershowitz in multiple locations including Epstein’s properties. Dershowitz categorically and repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them “totally false” and mounting an aggressive public and legal campaign against the accusation that was unusual in its vehemence.
The Lawsuit and Its Withdrawal
Giuffre filed suit against Dershowitz, and the litigation proceeded for years. In May 2023, Giuffre withdrew the lawsuit. Her filing stated that she was no longer certain her memory was correct. Dershowitz announced the withdrawal publicly as complete vindication. Her attorneys noted that withdrawal without prejudice does not constitute an admission of falsity. The circumstances of the withdrawal, including Giuffre’s statement about her memory, became subjects of significant media commentary.
Harvard and Academic Career
Dershowitz retired as a Harvard Law School professor emeritus in 2013, which he described as a normal retirement rather than a departure related to the Epstein case. He has remained publicly prolific.
Post-Accusation Activity
He has written multiple books directly or tangentially addressing the accusations, appeared frequently in right-leaning media, and has been active in various U.S. Supreme Court-related commentary. He represented Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2020. His reputation in liberal legal circles has materially deteriorated, though he maintains a significant platform in conservative media.