Ghislaine Maxwell Cites Legal Counsel in Refusal to Answer Epstein Questions
Disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell informed US politicians that she desired to respond to inquiries concerning her paedophile ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein but maintained silence based on the advice of her legal counsel. The 64-year-old appeared remotely before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, where she declined to answer any questions posed to her.
Video of Hearing Posted on Social Media
A video of the brief session was subsequently posted on social media by the US House Oversight Committee on Tuesday. In the footage, Maxwell is first asked if she was a "close friend and confidant of Jeffrey Epstein." She responded, "I would like to answer your question, but on the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer this question and any related questions."
Maxwell further invoked her right to silence under the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution, citing her pending habeas petition in the southern district of New York. She also refused to address whether she was involved in trafficking girls, coerced young women to have sex with Epstein or his associates, or surrounded herself with powerful individuals to evade scrutiny.
Legal and Political Reactions
Observers in the room noted that her lawyer, David Markus, used the opportunity to "campaign" for a pardon from US President Donald Trump. In a post on X after the hearing, Markus stated Maxwell would be willing to answer questions "if granted clemency by President Trump." However, committee chairman James Comer told reporters she should not be entitled to immunity.
House Democrats issued a statement following the hearing, questioning, "who is she protecting?" given her decision to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment grants Americans the right to avoid self-incrimination when questioned under oath.
Background and Sentencing
During her three-week trial in 2021, prosecutors labelled Maxwell as "dangerous," alleging she assisted in enticing vulnerable teenagers to Epstein's properties for sexual abuse. In June 2022, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the federal court in the southern district of New York.
