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Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate and convicted co-conspirator of financier Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a closed-door virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday, according to Chairman James Comer and lawmakers who attended the session.
“This is obviously very disappointing,” Comer, a Kentucky Republican, told reporters after the brief deposition concluded. “We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors.”
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Texas for sex trafficking-related crimes, declined to answer questions as the committee investigates Epstein’s abuse network and his relationships with powerful figures in politics, business and entertainment. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody in New York.
Legal strategy cited
Lawmakers said Maxwell’s refusal to testify was expected, given her pending legal challenges. She has an active habeas corpus petition in federal court in New York seeking either a new trial or a reduced sentence.
“Her attorney pointed out a number of times that she has a habeas corpus petition pending for new trial or release,” said Rep. Andy Biggs, an Arizona Republican. “And that’s why she is not going to answer questions.”
Asked whether political pressure may have influenced Maxwell’s decision, Comer said he had “no idea,” but added that she missed an opportunity to address questions “every American has.”
Claims involving Trump and Clinton
Biggs said Maxwell’s attorney read a statement at the outset of the deposition asserting that Maxwell had no knowledge of wrongdoing by either President Donald Trump or former President Bill Clinton.
“One thing that the attorney for Ms. Maxwell said is that she has no indication and would say that neither Presidents Trump or Clinton are culpable for any wrongdoing,” Biggs said.
Following two days of proffer sessions with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last July, Maxwell similarly told federal officials she had never witnessed nor heard of criminal or inappropriate conduct by Trump, Clinton or other prominent men associated with Epstein, according to officials familiar with the sessions.
Maxwell was transferred to a federal minimum-security prison in Texas shortly after those meetings, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed.
Clemency push draws backlash
Several Democrats accused Maxwell of using the deposition to revive her bid for presidential clemency. Her legal team has repeatedly raised that possibility since last summer.
In a January letter to the committee, Maxwell’s attorney David O. Markus urged lawmakers to delay compelled testimony until her habeas proceedings conclude, but said clemency could change her position.
“If Ms. Maxwell were to receive clemency, she would be willing — and eager — to testify openly and honestly, in public, before Congress,” Markus wrote.
Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia sharply criticized the move.
“She, through her lawyer, explicitly stated that she wants to be out of prison through a clemency that this president would grant,” Subramanyam said. “That’s why she’s continuing to not cooperate.”
Comer also rejected the idea of immunity or clemency, citing input from Epstein survivors.
“When we met with the survivors, it was very clear in a bipartisan manner that Maxwell committed serious crimes,” Comer said. “I personally don’t think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency.”
Investigation continues
Despite Maxwell’s refusal to testify, Comer said the committee’s investigation will move forward. Five additional depositions are scheduled in the coming weeks, including retail billionaire Leslie Wexner, Epstein’s longtime financial patron, on Feb. 18.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, followed by former President Bill Clinton on Feb. 27. The committee also plans to interview Epstein’s accountant and lawyer next month.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas said Maxwell showed no remorse during the proceeding.
“She is not seeking to bring about closure for these women,” Crockett said. “We’re not done. We’re going to continue to go.”
The deposition came the same day lawmakers were granted access to review unredacted versions of Epstein-related files held by the Department of Justice that have not been released publicly.
