Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking related to her association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions during a closed-door deposition with the US House Oversight Committee on Monday. The meeting took place virtually from the Texas prison where she is incarcerated, and Republican Chairman James Comer confirmed that Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent.
Comer expressed disappointment at her decision, emphasizing the committee’s intent to uncover the truth regarding crimes committed by both Maxwell and Epstein, as well as to identify any potential co-conspirators. He highlighted the investigation’s focus on delivering justice to survivors of Epstein’s alleged trafficking operations.
Following the hearing, Democrat Representative Melanie Stansbury accused Maxwell of using the deposition as a means to “campaign for clemency.” Meanwhile, Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, claimed she was willing to provide a comprehensive account of her experiences if granted clemency from former President Donald Trump. He stated that only Maxwell could present the full story, even if it might be uncomfortable for some.
In a letter preceding Maxwell’s deposition, a group of Epstein survivors urged lawmakers to remain skeptical of any information she may provide, criticizing her for failing to name individuals involved in Epstein’s trafficking network and for her lack of cooperation with law enforcement. The survivors warned that any consideration of Maxwell’s testimony would be detrimental to their cause, a sentiment echoed by Comer, who labeled her a “very bad person” unworthy of leniency.
Contrary to earlier statements regarding her unwillingness to testify, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna noted that Maxwell had not invoked the Fifth Amendment in her previous discussions with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, during which she asserted that there was no “client list” associated with Epstein.
The deposition was originally scheduled for August but was delayed pending a Supreme Court ruling on Maxwell’s case. This event occurs alongside a significant release of documents related to the Epstein investigation by the US Department of Justice, with Congress members set to access nearly three million un-redacted pages. Comer praised this initiative, welcoming the opportunity for transparency.
As this complex case continues to unfold, survivors of Epstein’s actions maintain their calls for accountability and justice, showing resilience in their fight for recognition and support. The ongoing investigations and discussions highlight the determination to shed light on the full extent of the abuse and the parties involved.