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Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to testify before House lawmakers, invoking her Fifth Amendment right during a congressional inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Maxwell, appearing remotely from a Florida prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence, declined to answer questions posed by members of the House Judiciary Committee on Monday. Her refusal to cooperate represents another setback for lawmakers seeking to uncover new information about Epstein’s extensive network of influential associates.
“Ms. Maxwell has chosen to exercise her constitutional right against self-incrimination,” said committee chairman Jim Jordan during the closed-door session. “While disappointing, this is her legal right, and the committee will continue pursuing other avenues of investigation.”
Maxwell, 62, was convicted in December 2021 of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual encounters with Epstein between 1994 and 2004. Prosecutors successfully demonstrated that she played a crucial role in facilitating Epstein’s abuse of underage girls at his properties in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The congressional inquiry aims to examine both the extent of Epstein’s criminal enterprise and whether federal agencies properly investigated allegations against him and his associates. Committee members have expressed particular interest in a controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges in exchange for pleading guilty to lesser state charges in Florida.
“This investigation is about accountability and transparency,” said Representative Nancy Mace, who has been vocal in pushing for further examination of the case. “The American people deserve to know the full truth about who was involved and whether justice was obstructed.”
Legal experts note that Maxwell’s refusal to testify was expected, given her ongoing appeal of her conviction and potential exposure to additional criminal liability.
“It would be legally reckless for Maxwell to testify under these circumstances,” said former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rodgers. “Her appeal is still active, and any statements she makes could potentially be used against her in future proceedings or impact her current case.”
The House committee has been investigating Epstein’s crimes for months, focusing on his connections to prominent figures in business, politics, and entertainment. The inquiry gained renewed attention following the release of court documents in January that named numerous individuals who had associations with Epstein, though many of those named have denied any knowledge of or participation in illegal activities.
Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, leaving many questions about the full scope of his crimes unanswered. His death sparked numerous conspiracy theories and intensified public demand for accountability regarding his influential connections.
Victims’ advocates expressed frustration with Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate but emphasized that the focus should remain on supporting survivors.
“While it’s disappointing that Maxwell continues to avoid full accountability, we must remember that this investigation should ultimately serve the victims,” said Marissa Hoffmann of the Survivors Network, an advocacy group for abuse victims. “Their voices and experiences must remain at the center of any inquiry.”
The committee plans to continue its investigation by interviewing other associates of Epstein and examining additional documents related to his case. Representatives indicated they may seek testimony from former prosecutors and law enforcement officials involved in previous investigations of Epstein’s activities.
Maxwell’s attorney, Bobbi Sternheim, declined to comment on the proceedings but has previously maintained that her client was scapegoated for Epstein’s crimes and did not receive a fair trial.
The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny of how powerful individuals may have used their influence to evade accountability in cases of sexual misconduct, and reflects continuing public interest in ensuring that all those involved in Epstein’s criminal enterprise face appropriate consequences.
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7 Comments
Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate with lawmakers is predictable, but it’s still disappointing. The public deserves answers about Epstein’s network and the extent of Maxwell’s involvement in his crimes.
Agreed. Even if she won’t testify, the congressional inquiry should continue to pursue other avenues to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.
The fact that Maxwell is still trying to avoid responsibility for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring is deeply troubling. I hope the congressional inquiry can find ways to compel her testimony and shed more light on this scandal.
Disappointing but not surprising that Maxwell declined to testify. She’s exercising her legal rights, but it’s frustrating that more information about Epstein’s network may remain hidden from the public eye.
The congressional inquiry seems like a worthwhile effort to uncover more details about Epstein’s crimes and his associates, even if Maxwell herself refuses to cooperate. Hopefully they can find other avenues to pursue the investigation.
Agreed. While Maxwell’s silence is understandable from a legal standpoint, it’s crucial that lawmakers continue digging to expose the full extent of Epstein’s abuses and hold all responsible parties accountable.
It’s frustrating that Maxwell is seeking clemency from Trump after being convicted of such heinous crimes. She should face the full consequences of her actions instead of trying to avoid punishment.