Ghislaine Maxwell, summoned to testify before the US House of Representatives oversight committee, declined to answer questions about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein unless granted a pardon by President Donald Trump. During the hearing, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, which protect individuals from self-incrimination, a legal strategy that she has relied on amid ongoing legal challenges following her conviction.

Maxwell, 64, is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in recruiting underage girls for Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Her refusal to answer questions could have significant implications for ongoing investigations into Epstein’s operations and others who may have been involved. Her legal strategy reflects a broader concern among defendants in high-profile cases about the potential consequences of revealing details that could lead to further legal action or revelations about other co-conspirators.

The specifics of Maxwell's testimony, and the broader context of Epstein's crimes, continue to capture public interest, especially given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. As these proceedings unfold, it raises questions about accountability in cases of sex trafficking and the legal protections available for those who might be implicated in similar criminal activities.