Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee. Maxwell declined to answer any questions, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. This action comes as the committee continues its investigation into the federal government's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The deposition, which took place on Monday, was a closed-door session where Maxwell, appearing remotely from a federal prison in Texas, invoked her right to remain silent. Her legal team had previously indicated this course of action, stating that Maxwell would only testify openly if granted legal immunity or clemency. The committee had previously declined to offer such immunity.
Investigation into Epstein's Case
The House Oversight Committee's probe focuses on how federal agencies managed the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The committee has been seeking testimony from individuals connected to Epstein, including Ghislaine Maxwell, as part of this effort.
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Actors:
Ghislaine Maxwell: Convicted sex trafficker, associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
House Oversight Committee: A bipartisan committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jeffrey Epstein: Deceased financier and convicted sex offender.
James Comer: Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
David Oscar Markus: Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney.
Timeline of Key Events:
October [Year not specified, presumed 2025 based on Article 3 & 5]: The Supreme Court declined to hear Maxwell's appeal.
November 21, 2025: Maxwell's legal team indicates she will invoke her Fifth Amendment rights if called to speak with investigators.
January 21, 2026: Maxwell agrees to testify under oath before the congressional committee.
February 9, 2026: Maxwell appears virtually before the House Oversight Committee and invokes the Fifth Amendment.
Maxwell's Legal Stance
Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, stated that his client would invoke her Fifth Amendment right to avoid potentially interfering with an ongoing appeal of her conviction. In a letter to Chairman James Comer, Markus also noted that Maxwell would be "eager to testify openly and honestly" if she were to receive clemency. The House lawmakers cannot compel Maxwell to waive her constitutional protections.
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Committee's Actions and Statements
Chairman James Comer confirmed Maxwell's appearance and her invocation of the Fifth Amendment. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) indicated that Maxwell's lawyer conveyed that she had no information suggesting former President Trump or former President Bill Clinton were culpable in any wrongdoing related to Epstein. The committee's pursuit of Maxwell's testimony is part of a broader effort to understand the government's handling of Epstein's case, including the release of sealed documents.
Scope of the Probe
The House Oversight Committee's investigation aims to scrutinize the federal government's actions and decisions concerning Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking ring. Maxwell's deposition was sought as part of this wider inquiry, with the committee issuing a legal summons for her testimony.
Sources:
New York Post: Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth during Epstein deposition with House Oversight Committee (Published: February 9, 2026)
CBS News: Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth, doesn't answer questions before House panel investigating Epstein (Published: February 9, 2026)
RedState: Maxwell Ends Quick House Probe Appearance by Pleading the Fifth (Published: February 9, 2026)
BBC News: Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before Congress in Epstein probe (Published: January 21, 2026)
Newslooks: Ghislaine Maxwell to Face House Oversight Committee in Epstein Probe (Published: February 9, 2026)
The New Republic: Ghislaine Maxwell Announces She Won’t Cooperate in Epstein Probe (Published: November 21, 2025)
The Independent: Ghislaine Maxwell will plead the Fifth in House probe on Epstein case, lawmaker says (Published: November 21, 2025)
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