Ghislaine Maxwell, the former confidante of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, made significant claims during an interview with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding a controversial photograph featuring her, Prince Andrew, and an American teenager. Maxwell asserted that the photograph is fake and that the alleged sexual encounter involving the British royal and the young girl could not have transpired at her London residence. "What's an even bigger word than b------t?" she rhetorically questioned, emphasizing her belief that the entire scenario was fabricated. These comments emerged from a transcript and audio of the interview, which was released by the DOJ on Friday.
The highly unusual interview took place last month in Tallahassee, Florida, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche leading the discussion. This meeting was initially presented as an opportunity to gather information about potential crimes against victims, according to a statement from the DOJ. However, during the two-day session, Maxwell claimed she witnessed no illegal activities involving any prominent individuals associated with Epstein. Despite this, she was given substantial time to defend herself against the charges that resulted in her conviction for sex trafficking.
Expressing her excitement during the interview, Maxwell addressed the claims made by Virginia Giuffre, the young woman depicted in the photograph. Although the DOJ redacted Giuffre’s name from the documents, it was evident from the context that she was the individual in question. Maxwell stated, "I'm going to tell you right now. I'm so happy to tell you," as she discussed Giuffre’s allegations. Giuffre, who tragically died in April, had previously accused Epstein and Maxwell of trafficking her to several high-profile figures, including Prince Andrew.
Giuffre alleged that her first encounter with Prince Andrew occurred at Maxwell's London home in March 2001, after a night out at a nightclub. She recounted that Maxwell instructed her to "do for Andrew what I do for Jeffrey," a statement that left her feeling sick. In previous depositions related to a civil case settled in 2017, Maxwell had denied the allegations against Prince Andrew, but her recent interview marks her most comprehensive attempt to refute Giuffre's claims. "What I can absolutely categorically say is that I never at any time set Andrew up to have relations with her or any other human being ever," she asserted.
Maxwell also provided context regarding the timing of the trip in question, stating that it coincided with her mother’s 80th birthday, during which she was celebrating with family in the countryside. She pointed out that the outfit she wore in the photograph matched what she had on during the family gathering, claiming, "I believe it's literally a fake photo." Giuffre, however, has consistently maintained that the photograph is authentic, countering that the excuses presented by Prince Andrew and his supporters are absurd.
Flight logs from Epstein's private jet indicate that a trip was made in early March 2001 to various locations, including London, where Maxwell, Giuffre, and Epstein were listed as passengers. Maxwell acknowledged that while she does not recall specific interactions between Prince Andrew and Giuffre, it is plausible that they could have crossed paths at her residence. She stated, "I can't say that that didn't happen," reflecting her uncertain memory of the events.
Giuffre’s family has been vocal in their criticism of the government's decision to engage with Maxwell, labeling her a "predator" who has caused irreparable harm to young women. They expressed outrage, stating, "If our sister could speak today, she would be most angered by the fact that the government is listening to a known perjurer." They firmly believe that Maxwell should remain incarcerated for her actions, emphasizing that leniency would be a profound injustice.
Maxwell's meeting with Deputy Attorney General Blanche unfolded amid ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration’s failure to release investigative files on Epstein. Currently, Maxwell is awaiting a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding her conviction, which the DOJ is contesting. Despite her insistence during the interview that she played no role in the sexual exploitation of minors, the fallout from her involvement with Epstein continues to impact her legal standing and public perception.
As this case unfolds, the complexities surrounding the allegations against Maxwell and Prince Andrew remain a topic of intense scrutiny, highlighting the broader implications of the Epstein scandal in exposing systemic issues related to sex trafficking and abuse.
