Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer any questions during a closed-door, virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday, repeatedly invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination as lawmakers pressed her about Jeffrey Epstein and possible accomplices. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls over a period of years. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein, appeared remotely from a minimum-security prison in Texas. Her refusal to testify had been widely anticipated, given that she has a legal petition pending in federal court seeking to overturn her conviction or reduce her sentence. House Oversight Chairman James Comer confirmed Maxwell’s stance afterward, telling reporters, “As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing.” He added that she had an opportunity to address questions central to the committee’s probe but chose not to cooperate.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, delivered a prepared statement to the panel explaining that his client could not speak while her court challenge remains active. However, he said Maxwell would be willing to testify if granted clemency by President Trump. Markus claimed that, under those circumstances, she would provide full testimony and asserted, “For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing.”
Comer rejected the idea of immunity or clemency, saying, “[I] don’t think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency.” Ranking Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia was equally critical, stating, “After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the Oversight Committee and said nothing.” Garcia accused Maxwell of shielding others and described her appearance as unremorseful.
The deposition capped a months-long effort by the committee, which first subpoenaed Maxwell in July 2025. The session came the same day members of Congress were granted access to unredacted versions of Epstein-related files recently released by the Justice Department under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Maxwell’s silence before Congress contrasted with her two-day interview last summer with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, during which she answered questions under limited immunity. According to sources familiar with that interview, she denied witnessing or participating in criminal conduct by prominent political figures.
The Oversight Committee’s investigation is continuing, with several more depositions scheduled, including testimony from individuals described as part of Epstein’s inner circle. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also expected to appear for closed-door depositions later this month after initially challenging the subpoenas.
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