Ghislaine Maxwell refused to testify before the US House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein, invoking her Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.
Maxwell’s Refusal
Ghislaine Maxwell declined to testify in the Jeffrey Epstein case, utilizing the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person can be compelled to testify in a criminal case against themselves. The hearing before the House Oversight Committee concluded almost immediately after beginning. Maxwell connected virtually from the Federal Prison in Bryan, Texas. Questions primarily concerned individuals in politics, business, and media who had contact with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019, as well as mechanisms to cover up the scandal.
Lawyer’s Pardon Offer
Maxwell’s lawyer, David Oscar Markus, stated on X that his client “must remain silent” due to ongoing proceedings aimed at proving her earlier conviction “relies on a fundamentally unfair process.” Markus wrote that if the committee and the American public want “the unfalsified truth,” Maxwell is “ready to speak frankly and openly” if President Trump grants her a pardon. He emphasized only Maxwell can provide the full account, noting that both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent and only Maxwell can explain why.
Committee Chair’s Reaction
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated the outcome was unsurprising. He acknowledged members had numerous questions about crimes committed by Maxwell and Epstein, and their potential accomplices. Comer stressed the committee’s goal is “to reach the truth for the American people and justice for the victims.”
Epstein and Maxwell Background
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking persons for sexual purposes. She was previously the partner of American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting and procuring underage girls for prostitution. Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while in custody. Recently, U.S. authorities released approximately 3 million documents from the financier’s case files, including photographs and correspondence.
