Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify Before Congress in Epstein Investigation
Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has agreed to appear before a US congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case, though she intends to invoke her constitutional right to remain silent during the proceedings. The British former socialite, who is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her role in Epstein's abuse of teenage girls, will participate virtually in a deposition scheduled for February 9.
Fifth Amendment Invocation Expected
Committee chairman James Comer confirmed that Maxwell's legal representatives have indicated she plans to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. "I agree we need to hear from Ghislaine Maxwell," Mr Comer stated. "We've been trying to get her in for a deposition. Her lawyers have been saying that she's going to plead the Fifth, but we have nailed down a date."
Despite securing her appearance, the chairman expressed hope that Maxwell might reconsider her position. "I hope she changes her mind, because I want to hear from her," he added, acknowledging the potential limitations of the upcoming session.
Legal and Political Context
The scheduled deposition comes amid mounting pressure from Democratic committee members to pursue contempt of Congress charges against Maxwell. This pressure extends to US attorney general Pam Bondi regarding delays in releasing Epstein-related documents. Maxwell was originally served with a subpoena in July 2025 to appear the following month, but the committee has refused to grant her immunity in exchange for testimony.
Maxwell's attorney has criticised the proceedings, arguing that "proceeding under these circumstances would serve no other purpose than pure political theatre and a complete waste of taxpayer monies." The lawyer emphasised that "the committee would obtain no testimony, no answers, and no new facts" given Maxwell's intention to remain silent.
Broader Committee Investigations
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is examining Epstein's extensive network and the government's handling of records related to the case. This investigation occurs alongside growing criticism of the US Justice Department for failing to make public all Epstein-related documents. Currently, only a fraction of these documents have been released, despite legal requirements for transparency unless protecting victims' identities or active criminal investigations.
In a related development, the committee has also voted to advance contempt of Congress resolutions against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Both declined to comply with subpoenas regarding their friendships with Epstein, challenging the subpoenas as lacking legislative purpose. The Clintons have submitted written statements and engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with Chairman Comer.
Allegations of Special Treatment
Ranking Democratic committee member Representative Robert Garcia has accused the US Department of Justice of providing Maxwell with "special treatment." In a statement, Garcia asserted, "For months, Ghislaine Maxwell has defied the subpoena ordering her to testify to the Oversight Committee. After pressure from Oversight Democrats, Chairman Comer has finally decided to call her in to testify. But let's be clear: the cover-up is continuing."
Maxwell's legal challenges continue, with her appeal to the US Supreme Court in October being declined, leaving her conviction intact. The upcoming congressional appearance represents another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's associates and the handling of this high-profile case.
