Maxwell Agrees to Virtual Deposition Before Congressional Committee Ghislaine Maxwell will appear under oath via video on 9 February as part of the House Oversight Committee’s probe into the Epstein files, while continuing to serve her 20‑year sentence for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls for Jeffrey Epstein[1]. The deposition marks the first time the incarcerated socialite will be compelled to provide testimony directly to lawmakers. Her participation follows a series of procedural moves by the committee, including a July refusal to grant immunity and an August legal summons[1].

Committee Chair Highlights Likelihood of Fifth Amendment Invocation Committee chair James Comer warned that Maxwell’s attorneys have signaled an intention to invoke the Fifth Amendment during the deposition, emphasizing the legal battle over whether she can be compelled to answer without immunity[1]. Comer’s preview underscored the tension between the committee’s investigative authority and the defendant’s constitutional protections. The prospect of a Fifth‑Amendment claim raises questions about the amount of substantive information the panel may actually obtain[1].

Defense Demands Immunity, Calls Prison Testimony Non‑Starter Maxwell’s lawyers argue that testifying from prison without formal immunity would expose her to additional criminal liability and jeopardize her safety, labeling the requirement a “non‑starter”[1]. They contend that any statements made could be used in future prosecutions, undermining the integrity of the process. The defense’s demand for immunity remains unmet, leaving the deposition’s scope contested[1].

Broader Epstein Investigation Faces File Redactions and Contempt Votes The Department of Justice has missed its deadline to release all remaining Epstein files, publishing only a fraction and heavily redacting content to protect victims and ongoing investigations[1]. Lawmakers from both parties criticize the limited disclosure, while the Republican‑led committee voted to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Hillary Clinton in contempt for refusing subpoena compliance[1]. If the full House approves, the contempt measure will be forwarded to the Justice Department for potential enforcement[1].