Explosive court documents from a defamation case involving Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell have been unsealed, revealing startling claims about both former President Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew.
The files show that Trump was questioned about Epstein during a 2009 deposition, where he described having been aware of the financier's "inappropriate" behaviour with younger women. While Trump stated he hadn't witnessed anything illegal firsthand, his testimony adds to the growing body of evidence about how Epstein's conduct was perceived by those in his social circle.
Royal Connections Under Scrutiny
Most damaging for the British monarchy, Prince Andrew features prominently in the newly released documents. The Duke of York is named multiple times in connection with Epstein and Maxwell, adding fuel to the ongoing scandal that has already cost him his royal duties.
The documents stem from a 2015 defamation case brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Maxwell of defaming her by denying allegations that Giuffre was trafficked by Epstein. Giuffre has previously claimed she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17 - allegations the royal has repeatedly denied.
Trump's Early Awareness Revealed
In his deposition, Trump described Epstein as a "fixture" in Palm Beach society but acknowledged he'd eventually had a falling out with him. "I was no longer a friend of his," Trump stated, adding that he'd banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club.
The testimony reveals that Trump had sufficient concerns about Epstein's behaviour to distance himself professionally and socially, though he stopped short of making direct criminal allegations during the deposition.
Timing Adds to Royal Woes
This latest revelation comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Royal Family, still grappling with the aftermath of Prince Andrew's association with Epstein. The Duke was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022 and no longer uses his HRH style.
Buckingham Palace has consistently declined to comment on ongoing legal matters involving Prince Andrew, maintaining that his legal battles are personal rather than official royal business.
The unsealing of these documents provides fresh insight into the extensive social networks surrounding Epstein and Maxwell, connecting powerful figures across politics, business, and royalty in an international scandal that continues to unfold years after Epstein's death in prison.
