WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers attempted to interview Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday, but the former girlfriend and associate of Jeffrey Epstein invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid answering potentially incriminating questions.
Maxwell participated via video call from the federal prison camp in Texas where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Her involvement drew renewed attention as authorities continue to investigate Epstein's extensive network, which enabled him to abuse underage girls for years.
Maxwell has also been fighting to have her conviction overturned, claiming in her appeals that she was wrongfully convicted.
This deposition aligns with lawmakers' ongoing efforts to explore Epstein's connections and uncover anyone who may have facilitated his misconduct. Meanwhile, several Democrats planned to review the unredacted versions of files regarding Epstein that the Department of Justice recently released according to legislation passed last year.
The House Oversight Committee had subpoenaed Maxwell last year, but her legal team has consistently stated that she would remain silent. Despite this, the Republican chairman, Rep. James Comer, insisted on proceeding with the deposition.
Additionally, Comer has faced pressure to ensure that subpoenas for former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were enforced. After threatening to charge both with contempt of Congress, they agreed to provide testimonies later this month.
