Four women have testified in Manhattan federal court that Ghislaine Maxwell sexually groomed them as teenagers and lured them into the orbit of Jeffrey Epstein. The accusers, identified as Jane, Kate, Carolyn and Annie Farmer, said Maxwell played a central role in enabling and, at times, participating in Epstein's abuse.
The women described similarly vulnerable circumstances when they met Maxwell, including financial insecurity and strained family relationships. They said Maxwell made them feel special, asked about their lives, and provided a reassuring presence that allayed any suspicions about Epstein. All four said Maxwell was involved in Epstein's misconduct, with three saying she coordinated their appointments with Epstein and three saying she touched them.
Jane testified that she met Maxwell in 1994 at a youth arts camp in Michigan when she was 14. Maxwell and Epstein invited her for tea, and Epstein began abusing her within weeks. Jane said the abuse continued for three years, and that Maxwell was sometimes in the room, once touching her breasts. Recalling one encounter, Jane said: "There were hands everywhere."
Kate, the second accuser, said she met Maxwell in Paris in 1994 and was later invited to Maxwell's London townhouse. Maxwell told Kate that Epstein was her boyfriend and, on one visit, urged Kate to "give his feet a little squeeze" to show her strength. Kate testified that Maxwell later led her into a room where Epstein was naked and then shut the door as Epstein initiated a sexual encounter.
Carolyn said she was introduced to Maxwell and Epstein at age 14 by Virginia Giuffre, another accuser, who took Carolyn to Epstein's Palm Beach home for a "massage". Maxwell greeted them and told Giuffre to take Carolyn upstairs and "show her what to do". Carolyn later returned to Epstein's house more than 100 times over four years, with Maxwell calling to schedule the appointments.
Only Annie Farmer used her full name in court. The testimony portrayed Maxwell as an enabler and, in some instances, an enthusiastic participant in Epstein's abuse, which the women said was consistent with her role of satisfying Epstein's physical needs.
