Ghislaine Maxwell, a co-conspirator of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right on Monday and refused to answer questions during her brief virtual appearance before a House Oversight Committee panel.
However, she expressed willingness to speak “fully and honestly” if United States (US) President Donald Trump grants her clemency.
Maxwell’s lawyer David Oscar Markus said only she can give the full account, adding: “Some people don’t like what they hear, but the truth is important. The American public is entitled to that explanation.”
The 64-year-old, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, has also filed a habeas petition, claiming her conviction is based on a fundamentally unfair trial.
She was convicted of multiple federal sex-trafficking charges in 2021. Her co-conspirator Epstein died in a New York prison while awaiting trial in 2019.
Trump has not ruled out granting a presidential pardon to Ms. Maxwell. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One in November 2025, the US president said: “I haven’t thought about it at all.”
He added: “I’m not talking about that. I’m not ruling it in or out.”
Many US lawmakers expressed anger at Ms Maxwell pleading the Fifth, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying: “It is unconscionable for her to plead with the Fifth or try to make deals.”
After the brief clarification, committee chairman James Comer said: “She should not be granted any kind of immunity or clemency.”
Donald Trump has yet to respond to Ms Maxwell’s request.
