Refusal to Testify in Epstein Probe
Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from the US House Oversight Committee during a deposition on Monday. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in a Texas federal prison for sex trafficking, invoked her Fifth Amendment rights in a video call with lawmakers. The committee is investigating individuals who may have helped Epstein carry out decades of abuse.
Clemency as a Condition for Testimony
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, told lawmakers that she would speak openly if granted a pardon by former President Donald Trump. Markus claimed that Maxwell could confirm neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton engaged in wrongdoing related to Epstein. Both men are mentioned extensively in recently released documents, and Markus emphasized that only Maxwell could provide the full context of her knowledge.
Bipartisan Backlash and Ongoing Appeals
Maxwell’s request for clemency drew immediate criticism from both parties. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury said Maxwell was clearly “campaigning for clemency,” while Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wrote, “NO CLEMENCY. You comply or face punishment,” adding, “You deserve JUSTICE for what you did, you monster.” Maxwell is also pursuing legal challenges to overturn her conviction, claiming constitutional violations during her trial. Despite the Supreme Court rejecting her appeal last year, she has asked a federal judge to consider “substantial new evidence.” The release of millions of Epstein-related documents has intensified scrutiny of Maxwell as lawmakers continue probing the abuse of minors, some as young as 11, according to a US Virgin Islands lawsuit.
