Ghislaine Maxwell Agrees To Testify – But Under One Condition
Ghislaine Maxwell has proposed to testify before Congress under significant conditions, which include complete immunity from prosecution.
This development follows House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer issuing a subpoena to the convicted accomplice of Epstein, requiring her appearance next month, as reported by CNN. In a correspondence sent to Comer on Tuesday, Maxwell’s legal representatives indicated that she initially intended to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights but is now prepared to cooperate “if a fair and safe path forward can be established.”
They contend that Maxwell’s ongoing appeal to the Supreme Court could be jeopardized by any testimony she provides.
“Any testimony she offers at this time could jeopardize her constitutional rights, adversely affect her legal claims, and potentially influence a future jury pool,” the letter asserts.
Her legal team further accused certain lawmakers of forming judgments about Maxwell without hearing her testimony or examining the evidence she claims to be credible.
“Compounding these concerns are public remarks from members of Congress that seem to have prejudged Ms. Maxwell’s credibility without even considering her perspective or assessing the extensive documentation that supports it,” the attorneys stated.
The Oversight Committee promptly dismissed her request for immunity.
“The Oversight Committee will respond to Ms. Maxwell’s attorney shortly, but it will not entertain the possibility of granting congressional immunity for her testimony,” a spokeswoman remarked.
Comer was straightforward in a prior interview with CNN.
“I don’t believe there are many Republicans who would be inclined to grant immunity to someone who may have been involved in sex trafficking children,” he stated.
Maxwell’s attorneys outlined a series of conditions.
These conditions include a formal grant of immunity, prohibition of questioning within the prison where she is incarcerated, and prior access to all inquiries from the Committee.
“To adequately prepare for any congressional deposition—and to ensure both accuracy and fairness—we would require the Committee’s questions in advance,” the letter indicates.
“Surprise questioning would be both inappropriate and unproductive.”
They also insist that the interview should not be arranged until after the Supreme Court makes a decision on her appeal and a separate habeas petition is settled.
The Court is not anticipated to take action until October.
Democrats are also dismissing her conditions.
“She is not going to dictate whatever terms she desires,” stated Rep. Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the Oversight Committee.
“We do not endorse providing her with the questions in advance,” he remarked.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, Maxwell’s attorneys assert that she will once again invoke the Fifth Amendment.
However, the letter concluded with one last proposal—an open request for clemency from President Donald Trump.
“Naturally, as an alternative, if Ms. Maxwell were to be granted clemency, she would be willing—and eager—to testify openly and honestly, in public, before Congress in Washington, D.C.,” her legal representatives stated.
“She looks forward to the chance to share the truth and to clarify the numerous misconceptions and inaccuracies that have surrounded this case from the outset.”
Maxwell allegedly transformed her identity while serving a two-decade sentence for her involvement in Epstein’s sex crimes.
“I did a double take, because I recognized her face immediately from the news. I was like, ‘Is that who I think it is?’” recounted Jessica Watkins, a former Oath Keeper who was incarcerated in the same low-security Florida facility as Maxwell.
Watkins was initially sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for her participation in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol building. President Donald Trump commuted her sentence on his first day back in office earlier this year.
“We don’t discuss cases as inmates because people will assume you’re a snitch,” Watkins clarified. “It’s an unspoken rule among inmates. You don’t inquire.”
Watkins allegedly recalled only one instance in which Maxwell referred to Epstein.
“She mentioned that the DOJ did not show any interest in her until after, her precise words were until after Jeffrey, and then she hesitated for a moment and stated ‘died,’” Watkins remarked. “That was the sole occasion he was ever mentioned.”