The woman believed to possess the most direct knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's extensive sex-trafficking network, Ghislaine Maxwell, has made startling claims during a recent interview with a top U.S. Department of Justice official. According to Maxwell, there was no client list, no blackmail scheme, and no high-profile associates of Epstein who engaged in illicit activities connected to his crimes. This information was revealed in a two-day interview session conducted last month, the transcripts and audio of which were released by the DOJ.
In her conversation with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Maxwell asserted, "There is no list." She expressed her lack of awareness regarding any blackmail activities, stating, "I never heard that. I never saw it, and I never imagined it." Throughout her relationship with Epstein, which spanned from the early 1990s to the mid-2000s, Maxwell claimed she never witnessed any inappropriate behavior from prominent figures such as President Donald Trump or former President Bill Clinton.
Maxwell characterized Trump as "cordial and a gentleman" in all her interactions with him, while describing Clinton as a "truly extraordinary man" and "fantastic ex-president." These remarks were made during her extensive interview at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tallahassee, Florida. Maxwell has been incarcerated since her arrest in 2020 and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's crimes.
During the interview, Maxwell vehemently denied any involvement in the sexual exploitation of minors, stating, "I did introduce him to women. I did, but not underage women." She acknowledged that she sought out masseuses for Epstein but admitted that she did not verify their credentials. Maxwell reiterated her claims of having been misidentified by a key witness during her trial and maintained that she had been wrongfully convicted.
The DOJ's decision to interview Maxwell came shortly after the firing of Maurene Comey, the federal prosecutor with intimate knowledge of the Epstein case. This unusual meeting raised eyebrows, especially as it involved the nation's second-ranking law enforcement official engaging with a convicted sex trafficker.
Maxwell was granted limited immunity for her statements during the interview, meaning that nothing she disclosed could be used against her unless she lied. This arrangement was signed by her legal team at the start of each day of questioning. During her discussions with Blanche, Maxwell was questioned about numerous high-profile individuals, including tech moguls and celebrities.
The meeting's nature drew criticism from victims of Epstein and Maxwell, with Annie Farmer, a key witness in Maxwell's trial, voicing her objections to any potential leniency being considered for Maxwell. The conversation with Blanche allowed Maxwell to critique her accusers and assert her innocence, painting a picture of being mischaracterized and wrongfully accused.
Maxwell's interview also addressed the controversial associations between Epstein, Trump, and Clinton. She asserted that Clinton's use of Epstein's private jet was solely for travel purposes and claimed that Clinton had no personal interest in Epstein. Furthermore, Maxwell claimed that Trump was always polite and respectful towards her, denying any allegations of inappropriate conduct involving the former president.
As the investigation into Epstein's activities continues, Maxwell's claims have reignited discussions surrounding the rumored existence of a client list, which she firmly denies. She characterized the search for others involved in Epstein's crimes as akin to a "Salem witch trial," suggesting that the narrative surrounding Epstein has spiraled out of control.
Maxwell remains hopeful for a reprieve from her sentence, with her legal team indicating that they have not yet sought a pardon from President Trump but would welcome any such relief. Currently, she has a pending application before the U.S. Supreme Court to review her conviction, which her attorneys argue was unjust.
As the fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to unfold, Maxwell's statements during her interview provide a glimpse into her perspective on the events surrounding Epstein's notorious sex-trafficking operation and the allegations involving high-profile individuals.
