The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, renewed its condemnation of Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday, arguing that her actions warrant permanent imprisonment. The family’s statement came amid fresh political backlash after Maxwell refused to answer questions during a congressional deposition.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after being convicted of helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls. Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, had become a leading advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and repeatedly spoke about the lasting trauma caused by Epstein and those who enabled him. Her family has consistently maintained that Maxwell played an active and central role in the exploitation network rather than serving as a passive associate.
The family’s remarks were released just hours after Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee. During the deposition, she invoked her Fifth Amendment right and declined to answer questions related to Epstein’s associates and the men accused of abusing minors.
Following the hearing, Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, suggested that his client would be willing to cooperate with investigators under certain conditions. In a statement, he said Maxwell would be prepared to provide full and honest testimony if she were granted clemency by former President Donald Trump.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s defense attorney David Markus / Imagn
That suggestion immediately triggered sharp criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum, many of whom accused Maxwell of attempting to leverage information for personal gain while showing little concern for survivors.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) forcefully rejected the idea of leniency, writing on X, “Ghislaine Maxwell is not a victim, she is an ACCOMPLICE and deserves to be treated, charged and punished as such. No clemency and no mercy for child predators.”
Democratic lawmakers echoed similar frustrations. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) said Maxwell’s actions during the deposition appeared strategic rather than cooperative, stating, “It’s very clear she’s campaigning for clemency.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) went further, calling for Maxwell to be returned to a maximum-security prison after what he described as a complete refusal to assist lawmakers. In a post on X, Khanna wrote, “Here is my conclusion after sitting through Maxwell’s deposition with her refusing to answer a single question about the men who raped underage girls, saying she would only do so for clemency. She must immediately be sent back to the maximum security prison where she belongs.”
Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre / Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
The renewed scrutiny of Maxwell has reignited broader anger over Epstein’s crimes and the powerful individuals linked to his abuse. For Giuffre’s family, Maxwell’s continued silence before Congress underscores their belief that justice has not been fully served. For lawmakers, her refusal to testify without assurances of freedom has only intensified calls for stricter confinement and accountability.
As public outrage resurfaces, Maxwell remains incarcerated, facing sustained pressure from both survivors’ families and elected officials who argue that cooperation should not come at the cost of accountability.
