Maxwell invokes the Fifth Amendment at closed virtual House Oversight deposition

Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, recently invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee. This move disappointed Chairman James Comer and other committee members who were hoping to uncover more information about the crimes committed by Maxwell and Epstein, as well as potential co-conspirators.

Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison in Texas, was expected to remain silent during the deposition, given her legal situation. Despite her refusal to answer questions, Comer emphasized that the committee’s investigation will continue with upcoming depositions, including Leslie Wexner, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Clinton, among others.

During the deposition, Maxwell’s attorney reiterated her pending petition for a new trial or reduced sentence, indicating that this was the reason for her silence. The attorney also mentioned that neither President Trump nor former President Clinton were involved in any wrongdoing, clearing their names.

Maxwell’s legal team has been pushing for clemency in exchange for her testimony since last July. They have suggested that if granted clemency, Maxwell would be willing to testify openly and honestly before Congress. However, Democrats expressed concern that Maxwell was using the deposition to renew her bid for clemency, which President Trump did not rule out in the past.

Despite Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate, Comer and other committee members are determined to continue their investigation and seek justice for the survivors of Epstein’s crimes. They have expressed their opposition to granting Maxwell any form of clemency, emphasizing the need for accountability and closure for the victims.

The deposition with Maxwell was a long-awaited event, first requested in July and delayed due to legal proceedings. The committee members hope to uncover more information about the Epstein case and shed light on the extent of Maxwell’s involvement in the crimes. The deposition coincided with a viewing opportunity for members of Congress to access unredacted versions of the Epstein files at the Department of Justice, further fueling the ongoing investigation.