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.

Why it matters

Maxwell's refusal to testify is a setback for the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking network and any potential 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 appeared remotely from a minimum-security prison in Texas. Her attorney, David Markus, delivered a prepared statement saying Maxwell would only testify if granted clemency by former President Trump, claiming both Trump and former President Clinton are 'innocent of any wrongdoing.' Committee Chairman James Comer rejected the idea of immunity or clemency, saying 'she should not be granted any type of immunity or clemency.' Ranking Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia accused Maxwell of shielding others and described her appearance as unremorseful.

  • On Monday, February 10, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee.
  • In 2021, Maxwell was convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls.
  • 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. She is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses.

James Comer

The Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network and any potential 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 saying Maxwell would only testify if granted clemency by former President Trump.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General, who interviewed Maxwell last summer under limited immunity.

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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 (kpua.net)

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

— Robert Garcia, Ranking Democrat, House Oversight Committee (kpua.net)

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

— David Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney (kpua.net)

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 is a setback for the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network and any potential accomplices. Her silence contrasts with her previous interview with the Justice Department, raising questions about what information she may be withholding and who else could be implicated in Epstein's crimes.