WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers attempted to interview Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday, but the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, refusing to answer potentially incriminating questions. This development is part of a broader inquiry into how Epstein managed to sexually exploit underage girls for many years.
Maxwell was scheduled to be questioned during a video conference from the federal prison camp in Texas where she is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. As scrutiny into her case increases, Maxwell is also seeking to overturn her conviction, asserting her innocence.
During Monday's session, lawmakers were particularly focused on identifying anyone who may have assisted Epstein in his abusive actions. Several Democratic members of Congress were reviewing unredacted files concerning Epstein released by the Department of Justice, in compliance with legislation passed last year.
Despite receiving a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee last year, Maxwell's attorneys have persistently indicated that she would not respond to queries. However, the Republican committee chairman, Representative James Comer, was determined to conduct the deposition.
Comer faced mounting pressure to proceed with the deposition, particularly as he sought to enforce subpoenas against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. After threatening them with contempt of Congress, both Clinton and Clinton agreed to participate in depositions later this month.
