Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes 5th Amendment at House Oversight Deposition

Maxwell refused to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein and possible accomplices

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer any questions during a closed-door, virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday, repeatedly invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination as lawmakers pressed her about Epstein and possible accomplices.

Why it matters

Maxwell's refusal to testify is seen as an attempt to shield others who may have been involved in Epstein's sex trafficking ring. The House Oversight Committee's investigation into the Epstein case is ongoing, with several more depositions scheduled, including testimony from individuals described as part of Epstein's inner circle.

The details

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls over a period of years. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein, appeared remotely from a minimum-security prison in Texas. Her attorney, David Markus, delivered a prepared statement to the panel explaining that his client could not speak while her court challenge remains active, but said Maxwell would be willing to testify if granted clemency by President Trump.

  • On Monday, February 10, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared for a closed-door, virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee.
  • In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls.
  • In 2019, Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail while awaiting trial.

The players

Ghislaine Maxwell

A British socialite who was convicted in 2021 of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls. She is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

An American financier who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

James Comer

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the Epstein case.

Robert Garcia

The ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, who criticized Maxwell's appearance as unremorseful.

David Markus

Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney, who delivered a prepared statement to the House Oversight Committee explaining that his client could not speak while her court challenge remains active.

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What they’re saying

“As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing.”

— James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman

“After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the Oversight Committee and said nothing.”

— Robert Garcia, Ranking Democrat, House Oversight Committee

“For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing.”

— David Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee's investigation is continuing, with several more depositions scheduled, including testimony from individuals described as part of Epstein's inner circle. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also expected to appear for closed-door depositions later this month after initially challenging the subpoenas.

The takeaway

Ghislaine Maxwell's refusal to testify before Congress highlights her continued efforts to shield others who may have been involved in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring. The House Oversight Committee's investigation is ongoing, and the committee is determined to uncover the full extent of the Epstein scandal and hold all responsible parties accountable.