Former Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell invokes her Fifth Amendment rights. Here’s what we know
Following a huge public outcry in the still-raging fire of the Jeffrey Epstein case, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. The former socialite refused to answer any questions about her case involving the convicted sex trafficker in the aftermath of the release of millions of redacted files. Here’s everything we know so far.
Deposition Statement
Ms. Maxwell was advised by her legal team to invoke the Fifth Amendment, a constitutional law that protects Americans from being forced to testify in the United States, which is linked to her broader habeas corpus petition, a legal audit of the defendant’s prison conditions.
In her deposition, she said: “I would like to answer your question, but on the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer this question and any related questions.”
“My habeas petition is pending in the Southern District of New York. I therefore invoke my right to silence under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”
The House Oversight Committee was hoping to hear more from Ms. Maxwell following her arrest and imprisonment regarding Epstein’s network and the powerful figures implicated in the files. Miss Maxwell’s legal team stated publicly that she is prepared to speak “fully and honestly” about Epstein and his associates, provided she is granted clemency first.
The former socialite claimed she can exonerate notable figures such as Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, though some lawmakers believe it is part of her legal strategy. Many have called for a harsher punishment, saying it undermines the pursuit of justice.
Legal Experts Voices Concerns
American lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and legal analyst Neama Rahmani says it is “clear she is trying to use her knowledge and her association with Jeffrey Epstein, and the fact that members of Congress and the American public want answers, to try and get a pardon out of President Trump.” He also said it was “surprising “somewhat of a surprise”, given that she had provided statements earlier. He added, “The question everyone is asking is what will former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton do?”
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