Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses to Answer Lawmakers in Private Deposition

In a recent deposition before the House Oversight Committee, Ghislaine Maxwell chose not to provide answers to lawmakers’ questions. She invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the videoconference held from a federal prison camp in Texas. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges.

Key Events and Statements

The closed-door session lasted less than an hour, with lawmakers reporting that Maxwell provided no responses to their inquiries. Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s leading Democrat, expressed disappointment, stating that Maxwell “told committee members nothing.” He noted that she did not engage in discussions about individuals involved in the trafficking of women and girls.

Legal Context

Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, emphasized that his client was prepared to share more information if granted clemency by former President Donald Trump. He asserted, “If this Committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path.” Markus pointed out that only Maxwell could provide a complete account of events, suggesting that the truth may not be palatable for all.

Investigative Background

The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed nearly a dozen individuals as part of its ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his crimes. Epstein, known for his connections to high-profile figures, pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution, including minors. He faced federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 but died in custody that same year, with the cause of death ruled a suicide.

• Ghislaine Maxwell: Longtime acquaintance of Jeffrey Epstein; convicted on sex trafficking charges.
• Key Date: Maxwell’s conviction was in 2021; she began serving her sentence subsequently.
• Committee’s Focus: Investigating sex trafficking involvement and related figures.
• Major Incidents: Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea and 2019 arrest; his death in custody.