In brief
During a deposition held via video call from a Texas prison, Ghislaine Maxwell, a key figure in the Jeffrey Epstein case, exercised her Fifth Amendment rights, avoiding incriminating questions. Lawmakers are intensifying their investigation into Epstein's extensive abuse of underage girls and the potential involvement of others. This deposition is part of a broader probe, with lawmakers examining unredacted documents released by the Department of Justice. The committee's chair, Rep. James Comer, faces pressure regarding the compliance of other prominent figures related to Epstein during these hearings.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions during a Monday congressional deposition, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights. The deposition, conducted via video call from a federal inmate camp in Texas, obscured critical inquiries into Epstein's years-long sexual abuse of minors. Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, has consistently rejected cooperating with the investigation. Her lawyers have previously informed lawmakers that she would remain silent. House Oversight Committee chair, Rep. James Comer, is determined to proceed with the questioning despite her refusal to engage. This deposition aligns with expanding scrutiny on Epstein's circle of acquaintances as lawmakers search for others who might have facilitated his misconduct. The investigation gained urgency following the release of unredacted Justice Department documents that lawmakers are currently reviewing. Comer expressed pressure to enforce subpoenas against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who are both expected to appear for deposition later this month after the threat of contempt charges. Maxwell's plea to have her conviction overturned remains on the table, further complicating her legal situation amid the ongoing investigation into Epstein's past and the culture of complicity surrounding it.
