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 was convicted in 2021 of 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.

Why it matters

Maxwell's refusal to testify comes as the House Oversight Committee continues its investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking network and possible accomplices. Her silence contrasts with her previous interview with the Justice Department, where she denied witnessing or participating in criminal conduct by prominent political figures.

The details

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence, 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 former President Trump.

  • On Monday, February 10, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee.
  • In 2021, Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking offenses connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 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 over a period of years. She is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses.

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 Epstein's sex trafficking network and possible accomplices.

Robert Garcia

The Ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, who accused Maxwell of shielding others and described her 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 the House Oversight Committee, despite being compelled to do so, highlights the ongoing challenges in holding those connected to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network accountable. The investigation continues, with more depositions planned, as lawmakers seek to uncover the full scope of Epstein's crimes and any potential accomplices.