Maxwell Day 2: Named Individuals & Denials

DEPOSITION OF GHISLAINE MAXWELL — DAY 1, APRIL 22, 2016 GIUFFRE v. MAXWELL, Case No. 15-cv-7433-RWS (S.D.N.Y.) Ghislaine Maxwell provided sworn deposition testimony on April 22, 2016, as the defendant in the civil defamation case brought by Virginia Giuffre in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York before Judge Robert W. Sweet. This was the first of multiple deposition sessions. The transcript was filed under seal and later unsealed in stages beginning in 2019 and continuing through 2024 pursuant to orders from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. DENIAL OF ALLEGATIONS: Throughout the April 22 session, Maxwell categorically denied the allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell testified that she never recruited Giuffre, never engaged in sexual activity with Giuffre, and never directed Giuffre to have sexual contact with any other individual. Maxwell characterized Giuffre's claims as fabricated and motivated by financial gain. Maxwell stated that her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was personal and professional but denied any involvement in or knowledge of sexual abuse. RELATIONSHIP WITH JEFFREY EPSTEIN: Maxwell testified about the nature of her relationship with Epstein, describing it as a romantic relationship in the 1990s that transitioned into a professional and social friendship. She acknowledged managing certain aspects of Epstein's household properties but denied that her duties included recruiting or grooming young women. Maxwell stated that she occasionally hired personal assistants and massage therapists through legitimate channels. FIFTH AMENDMENT AND PERJURY EXPOSURE: Maxwell's decision to testify rather than invoke her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination proved consequential. When she was later indicted on federal charges in July 2020 (USA v. Maxwell, Case No. 20-cr-330, S.D.N.Y.), prosecutors alleged that certain statements in this deposition were false. Two counts of perjury were included in the superseding indictment, directly referencing testimony given during the Giuffre v. Maxwell depositions. Maxwell was ultimately convicted on December 29, 2021 on five of six federal counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This deposition became one of the most scrutinized legal documents in the Epstein case, with its unsealing generating extensive media coverage and public interest. Source: Giuffre v. Maxwell, Case No. 15-cv-7433-RWS (S.D.N.Y.), Dkt. Entry (Sealed)