Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during an appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Maxwell, the imprisoned accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges, appeared on Monday for a virtual deposition before the Republican-led committee as part of its investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Epstein case and his abuse network.
Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, said Maxwell had used her constitutional rights. He cited a pending habeas petition, challenging her imprisonment and alleging serious flaws in her criminal trial.
Maxwell has a pending petition in a New York federal court seeking to overturn her conviction or reduce her sentence.
Why It Matters
The release of more than 3 million pages of Epstein‑related documents has renewed public interest in the case and has sparked intense scrutiny of high-profile figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, both of whom are named in the documents. Appearing in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Maxwell is a key witness and could have further information that would help investigations into those connected to Epstein. Her refusal to cooperate will anger lawmakers and stall their investigatory efforts.
What To Know
During the hearing, the committee asked Maxwell six questions. After every question, she said: “I invoke my Fifth Amendment right to silence.”
After each question, the committee also asked: “Are you declining to answer the question put to you solely on the ground that you believe the answer will incriminate you?”
The Oversight Committee released a video of the deposition on X.
Below are the questions the six committee members asked:
Were you a close friend and confidante of Jeffrey Epstein?
Did you, at any time, play any role in Jeffrey Epstein’s activities involving the recruitment, grooming or trafficking of young women or girls?
Have you ever coerced, directed or otherwise instructed any young woman or girl to provide sexual favors to Mr. Epstein or any other individual?
Did you and Jeffrey Epstein attempt to surround yourselves with influential individuals to curry favor and shield yourselves from potential scrutiny?
Can you please provide us with all the names of other additional co-conspirators to the crimes perpetuated by you and Jeffrey Epstein?
Is it your intention to answer every question put to you by the committee today with the assertion of your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination?
To this final question, Marjus said, “As her lawyer, I’ll tell you, yes that’s her intention.”
After the hearing, the Republican chair of the committee, Kentucky Representative James Comer, said it was “very disappointing” that Maxwell declined to participate in the deposition.
What People Are Saying
David Oscar Marjus, Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney, said in a statement: “Members of the Committee: On my advice, Ghislaine Maxwell will respectfully invoke her Fifth Amendment right to silence and decline to answer questions today even though she would very much like to answer your questions.
“She must remain silent because Ms. Maxwell has a habeas petition currently pending that demonstrates that her conviction rests on a fundamentally unfair trial. For example, jurors lied during voir dire to secure seats on the jury, and the government promised immunity and then broke that promise. Newly disclosed documents now demonstrate these facts conclusively,” Markus told the committee.
“If this Committee and the American public truly want to hear the unfiltered truth about what happened, there is a straightforward path. Ms. Maxwell is prepared to speak fully and honestly if granted clemency by President Trump. Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters. For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing. Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation. Thank you.”
Republican Representative James Comer, speaking to reporters on Monday: “As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing. We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions bout potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth for the American people and justice for survivors.”
Ranking Member Robert Garcia of California, in a statement: “Who is [Maxwell] protecting? And we need to know why she’s been given special treatment at a low security prison by the Trump Administration. We are going to end this White House cover-up.”
What Happens Next
Maxwell is serving 20 years in federal prison for her role as Epstein’s accomplice in his sex trafficking operation.
Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are due to appear before the committee at a later date.
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