Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes Fifth Amendment in Deposition

Imprisoned Epstein accomplice refuses to answer questions from House Oversight Committee

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned accomplice of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, appeared before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee on Monday but invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer any questions about her involvement with Epstein's crimes and abuse network.

Why it matters

The release of over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents has renewed public interest in the case and sparked intense scrutiny of high-profile figures connected to Epstein, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Maxwell's refusal to cooperate will anger lawmakers and stall their investigatory efforts, as she could have further information to help investigations into those associated with Epstein.

The details

During the hearing, the committee asked Maxwell six questions, including whether she was a close friend of Epstein, if she played any role in the recruitment or trafficking of young women, and if she and Epstein attempted to surround themselves with influential individuals. After each question, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, stated that Maxwell must remain silent due to a pending habeas petition challenging her conviction and alleging flaws in her criminal trial.

  • Ghislaine Maxwell appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Ghislaine Maxwell

The imprisoned accomplice of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

David Oscar Markus

Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney.

James Comer

Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee.

Robert Garcia

Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Members of the Committee: On my advice, Ghislaine Maxwell will respectfully invoke her Fifth Amendment right to silence and decline to answer questions today even though she would very much like to answer your questions.”

— David Oscar Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney

“As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing. We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions bout potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth for the American people and justice for survivors.”

— James Comer, Republican Representative

“Who is [Maxwell] protecting? And we need to know why she's been given special treatment at a low security prison by the Trump Administration. We are going to end this White House cover-up.”

— Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee

What’s next

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are due to appear before the committee at a later date.

The takeaway

Ghislaine Maxwell's refusal to cooperate with the House Oversight Committee's investigation into the Epstein case and her own involvement will likely frustrate lawmakers and stall their efforts to uncover the full truth about the abuse network and any potential high-profile co-conspirators.