Ghislaine Maxwell has urged Congress to support a pardon so she can “testify openly and honestly” about Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter from her attorney. The letter, sent to the House Oversight Committee—which had subpoenaed Maxwell for testimony and records—outlined conditions for her cooperation.
Maxwell’s lawyer, David Markus, said she would invoke her Fifth Amendment right and refuse to testify unless granted immunity and allowed to be interviewed outside of prison. Markus argued that without formal immunity, Maxwell risks further criminal exposure in a politically charged environment, and that a prison setting is not suitable for truthful and complete testimony. He also requested that the committee provide questions in advance and delay the interview until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear Maxwell’s appeal of her conviction.
Convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and related charges, Maxwell was found guilty of working with Epstein from 1994 to 2004 to identify, groom, and transport girls to Epstein’s properties for abuse. Markus added that if Maxwell were granted clemency, she would be eager to testify publicly before Congress to share the truth and correct misconceptions surrounding the case.
While former President Donald Trump stated no pardon request had been made to him, he acknowledged his authority to grant one. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that pardoning Maxwell would be a mistake. The letter follows a recent meeting between Maxwell and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, during which Maxwell answered questions under limited immunity. The House Oversight Committee has since ruled out granting her immunity for testimony.