Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions during a congressional deposition about her role in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights. The former associate of the convicted sex offender is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty in 2021 of helping Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls.

Both Republican and Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee expressed frustration with Maxwell's silence. Committee Chairman James Comer said they had numerous questions about Epstein's crimes and potential co-conspirators. Democrats accused Maxwell of using the deposition as a platform to campaign for clemency from President Trump.

Maxwell's lawyer David Markus stated she would be willing to speak fully if granted clemency by Trump. The deposition occurred as the Department of Justice releases millions of documents related to Epstein, including photos of Trump with redacted women and a suggestive note allegedly bearing Trump's signature. Five more depositions are scheduled in the ongoing investigation, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

Quick Fact: Maxwell was convicted on December 29, 2021 on five of six counts.