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Maxwell refuses to testify in closed-door House hearing
Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted accomplice of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions during a virtual deposition before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Monday, citing her constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Committee expresses frustration over silence
Republican Committee Chairman James Comer confirmed Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment, calling the move "very disappointing." The panel had prepared questions about her and Epstein's crimes, as well as potential accomplices.
"We sincerely want to get to the truth for the American people and justice for the survivors," Comer stated.
Clemency plea surfaces during proceedings
Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury told reporters Maxwell used the hearing to "campaign for clemency." Earlier, Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, posted on social media that she was "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," Markus wrote.
The White House has stated no leniency discussions are underway regarding Maxwell.
Survivors urge skepticism of Maxwell's claims
A group of Epstein survivors sent a letter to the committee before the deposition, warning against trusting Maxwell's testimony. They criticized her for refusing to name "powerful men" involved in Epstein's trafficking network and for failing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna planned to question Maxwell about a 2023 court filing in which she referenced "four named co-conspirators" and 25 unindicted individuals. He also intended to ask about her and Epstein's ties to Donald Trump, including whether Trump discussed a pardon with her legal team.
Prior statements and legal context
Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, stating he cut ties with the financier decades ago. In a July meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche-formerly Trump's personal lawyer-Maxwell claimed she never witnessed inappropriate behavior by Trump or former President Bill Clinton. She also denied the existence of an Epstein "client list."
Khanna noted Maxwell's silence at Monday's hearing contrasted with her willingness to speak during the July meeting.
Justice Department releases new Epstein files
The deposition coincides with the release of millions of pages of previously classified documents from the Epstein investigation, following a congressional mandate. Lawmakers can now review nearly three million unredacted pages in person at the Department of Justice.
"I think it's great that the Department of Justice is letting members of Congress look at all the unredacted versions," Comer said.
A group of survivors released a video on Sunday demanding greater transparency around redactions and unreleased files. Blanche has dismissed allegations of a cover-up, stating no hidden trove of prosecutable information exists.
Background on Maxwell's conviction
Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2021 for her role in luring underage girls for Epstein's exploitation. Epstein died in prison in 2019. Maxwell is seeking a pardon from Trump and has been accused of lying to federal officials.
