Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes, invoked her Fifth Amendment rights and declined to answer questions during a closed-door deposition with a House committee on Monday, . The hearing, held via video link from the federal prison camp in Texas where she is serving a 20-year sentence, forms part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s abuse and the network of individuals who facilitated it.
Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate came as lawmakers sought to understand how Epstein, a well-connected financier, was able to sexually abuse underage girls for years. The inquiry is unfolding amid a global reckoning with Epstein’s crimes and a search for those who may have aided and abetted his abuse. Several members of Congress also planned to review unredacted versions of documents related to Epstein, released by the Department of Justice following a law passed by Congress last year.
Representative James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, confirmed that Maxwell pleaded the Fifth, stating that she did not answer any questions posed by the committee. “This is very disappointing,” Comer said after the hearing. “We had many questions about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about possible co-conspirators.”
Despite her silence, Maxwell’s legal team reportedly indicated a willingness to testify regarding the relationships between Epstein and former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. According to both Democratic and Republican lawmakers present at the meeting, Maxwell’s attorney offered that she could attest to the innocence of both former presidents in relation to any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
This offer sparked immediate speculation about Maxwell’s motives. Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury suggested that Maxwell’s assertion was a calculated attempt to appeal to Trump for a presidential clemency. “It’s very clear she’s campaigning for clemency,” Stansbury stated.
Maxwell is currently pursuing an appeal to overturn her conviction, arguing that constitutional violations marred her trial. While the Supreme Court rejected her initial appeal last year, it has requested a federal judge in New York to review “substantial new evidence” presented by her attorneys. This evidence, according to her legal team, suggests irregularities in the trial process.
The timing of Maxwell’s potential testimony regarding Trump and Clinton, coupled with her ongoing legal challenges, raises questions about her strategy. The invocation of the Fifth Amendment protects her from self-incrimination, but also prevents her from providing potentially exculpatory information.
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation is part of a wider effort to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s network and hold those responsible accountable. The release of previously redacted documents is expected to provide further insights into the individuals connected to Epstein and the nature of their involvement. Comer emphasized the committee’s commitment to uncovering the truth. “We sincerely want to get to the truth for the American people, and justice for the survivors, that’s what this investigation is about,” he said.
The case continues to draw international attention, highlighting the complexities of investigating and prosecuting crimes involving powerful and well-connected individuals. The ongoing scrutiny of Maxwell and her associates underscores the enduring impact of Epstein’s crimes and the demand for accountability from victims and advocates worldwide.
Maxwell’s silence before the committee, while legally protected, is unlikely to quell the ongoing debate surrounding her role in Epstein’s abuse. The committee’s investigation, and the potential revelations from the unredacted documents, are expected to keep the case in the public eye for the foreseeable future.
