Maxwell Declines to Testify in House Oversight Deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions during a US House Oversight Committee deposition on Monday, invoking her constitutional right against self-incrimination.
The closed-door session was conducted virtually, with Maxwell appearing from a federal prison in Texas, where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking-related offenses.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Maxwell’s refusal to testify was expected but disappointing. He confirmed that she repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, preventing lawmakers from questioning her about Epstein’s crimes and possible accomplices.
Lawmakers Express Frustration Over Lack of Cooperation
Comer said the committee had hoped to obtain information that could shed light on Epstein’s trafficking network and identify others who may have been involved.
“Our goal is to uncover the truth for the American people and secure justice for survivors,” he said following the deposition.
The Fifth Amendment allows individuals to refuse to answer questions under oath if their responses could potentially incriminate them.
Claims of Clemency Efforts Surface
Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury said Maxwell appeared to use the deposition as an opportunity to advance her efforts for presidential clemency rather than cooperate with investigators.
Earlier in the day, Maxwell’s attorney David Oscar Markus suggested on social media that she would be willing to testify fully if granted clemency by President Donald Trump. He claimed Maxwell could provide crucial details about Epstein’s operations.
The White House has previously stated that no discussions regarding leniency or a pardon for Maxwell are underway.
Survivors Urge Caution
Ahead of the deposition, a group of Epstein survivors submitted a letter to the Oversight Committee urging lawmakers to approach Maxwell’s statements with skepticism.
They accused her of repeatedly refusing to identify powerful individuals linked to Epstein and warned that offering her credibility or special treatment would undermine survivors’ pursuit of justice.
Questions About Epstein’s Alleged Co-Conspirators
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said he intended to question Maxwell about a previous court filing in which she referenced four named co-conspirators and more than 20 others who were not charged.
Khanna also sought clarity on Maxwell and Epstein’s past social connections with Donald Trump and whether any discussions about a potential pardon had taken place. Trump has denied wrongdoing and says he cut ties with Epstein years ago.
Justice Department Releases New Epstein Files
The deposition coincided with the US Department of Justice releasing millions of pages of newly unsealed documents related to the Epstein investigation, following legislation passed by Congress last year.
Lawmakers will be permitted to review unredacted versions of nearly three million pages at the Justice Department. Comer welcomed the move, calling it an important step toward transparency.
Epstein survivors have also renewed calls for full disclosure, arguing that redactions and withheld files continue to obscure accountability.
Background on Maxwell’s Conviction
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein, her former partner. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
