Former reality star Jen Shah says she deliberately kept her distance from fellow inmate Ghislaine Maxwell during their time in federal prison, citing what she describes as Maxwell’s lack of remorse for victims.
In a recent interview, Shah — who was incarcerated at a federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas — said she had only limited interactions with Maxwell by choice. “I chose to keep my distance,” she explained, adding that her decision had nothing to do with Maxwell’s notoriety, but rather her attitude toward those harmed in her case.
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to Shah, Maxwell made comments in prison that reflected a troubling disregard for those victims.
“I just feel like there should be a level of remorse,” Shah said. “And she made it very publicly known — at least to Elizabeth and I — that there’s no remorse there.”
Shah said one moment stood out in particular: when victims appeared on television speaking about their experiences, she claims Maxwell reacted with indifference.
“When the victims would be on TV, she was just in complete disregard for them,” Shah said. “That just didn’t sit with me the right way.”
During her time behind bars, Shah instead formed a bond with Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced Theranos founder. According to Shah, Holmes also avoided Maxwell for similar reasons.
“Lizzie and I are good friends,” Shah said, noting that shared experiences as high-profile inmates brought them closer together.
Beyond her personal criticisms, Shah also alleged that Maxwell received preferential treatment inside the facility — claims that have not been independently verified.
“Oh no, she was treated very well there,” Shah said, alleging Maxwell had access to private workout sessions, special meals, and bottled water, as well as looser rules around scheduling legal calls.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons responded to the allegations in a statement, emphasizing that all inmates are to be treated equally.
“Allegations of misconduct, including any suggestion of preferential treatment, are taken seriously,” a spokesperson said, adding that violations of policy can result in disciplinary action or prosecution.
Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence, has continued to challenge her conviction through the courts and has reportedly sought clemency.
Shah, meanwhile, was sentenced in 2023 for her role in a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. She was released from prison in December 2025 and is currently serving the remainder of her sentence under home confinement.
She says she has accepted responsibility for her crimes and is working to repay more than $6.6 million in restitution owed to victims.
“I’m sorry and I’m here and accepting responsibility,” Shah said. “These people deserve to be made whole.”
