‘Why evade if there's nothing to hide?': Dems invoke rare Senate rule to force Epstein files release - The Economic Times Video
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Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why the Ghislaine Maxwell case still matters, even if you're tired of hearing her name
When was convicted in December 2021 for facilitating 's sex trafficking ring, the moment felt like a closing chapter. Yet, more than three years later, her story refuses to fade. In fact, it's increasingly front and center, raising questions about privilege, justice, and whether the authorities can or will ever unearth the full scope of what happened. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Accountability that must mean something Maxwell's 20‑year sentence was meant to be a decisive statement: no one, regardless of wealth or connections, is above the law. Judge Alison Nathan made that crystal clear during sentencing, saying Maxwell wasn't being punished as a stand-in for Epstein, but for her own calculated role in grooming and deceiving underage victims. Yet, her conviction has been upheld on appeal reinforcing the legitimacy of the verdict and efforts to argue that she was shielded by Epstein's 2007 plea deal have repeatedly failed. Some still say she was made a scapegoat after Epstein died, but courts haven't bought it. Ghislaine Maxwell wasn't just a side character in the Jeffrey Epstein saga, she was central to how the whole operation worked. While Epstein may have been the face of the abuse empire, Maxwell was often the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, smoothing over the ugliness with charm, British polish, and a Rolodex full of high-society connections. Born into wealth as the daughter of media mogul Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine had always been part of elite circles. After her father's mysterious death and financial scandal, she moved to New York and became a fixture in the Manhattan social scene—where she met Epstein. Their relationship started as romantic, but even after that fizzled, they remained deeply entwined both personally and professionally. Maxwell's role, according to dozens of victims and federal prosecutors, went far beyond simply being Epstein's ex. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She was allegedly the recruiter, the groomer, and sometimes even the enforcer. Many women who came forward described her as the one who first approached them with promises of legitimate work, like massage gigs or modeling. She'd often pretend to take them under her wing, only for things to turn coercive once Epstein entered the picture. In court, she was accused of normalizing sexual abuse, manipulating girls into silence, and even participating in the acts herself. What makes it all worse is the way Maxwell used trust to gain access. She was often described as sophisticated and nurturing, someone who made victims feel safe. That false sense of security is what allowed her to facilitate a system of exploitation that allegedly spanned decades, with some victims as young as 14. In 2021, Maxwell was convicted on several charges, including sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. She's now serving a 20-year sentence. A modern history student, an Oxford graduate Ghislaine Maxwell's educational background is just as elite as the social circles she moved in. Born into privilege as the daughter of British media tycoon Robert Maxwell, she had access to some of the best schools money could buy, and she took full advantage of that early on. She started her education in the UK at Headington School, a prestigious all-girls private school in Oxford. It's the same school that counts Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame) as an alum, so you get the idea, it's upscale, academic, and built for the well-connected. From there, Ghislaine went on to Balliol College at Oxford University, one of the oldest and most respected colleges in the world. She studied modern history and graduated with a degree in the early 1980s. Now, graduating from Oxford is no small feat, and it placed her firmly in Britain's intellectual and social elite. But like a lot of people in those upper-crust circles, her education was as much about networking as it was about knowledge. Oxford gave her connections some of which she likely drew on later when she entered high society in both the UK and the U.S. Interestingly, despite her academic background and degree in history, Maxwell didn't exactly pursue a career in academia or the public sector. She floated into her father's media empire for a while and later moved to the U.S., where her social life seemed to take center stage, especially once she connected with Jeffrey Epstein. Vaulted into relevance again Recently, Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas a move her accusers condemned as preferential. Why does this matter? Because it signals she may still be negotiating with authorities. Reports say she's been questioned by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and offered testimony in exchange for clemency. That makes her a potentially powerful witness and that prospect is stoking political and legal backlash. The secrets Epstein took to his grave One of the enduring mysteries of the Epstein scandal is who else knew what and when. Maxwell, as one of only two people convicted for the criminal enterprise, may be one of the only living witnesses with real insight. Investigators and former prosecutors believe her testimony could implicate powerful figures possibly including politicians, financiers, or royalty. If she cooperates, fresh revelations may finally crack open the shadowy world Epstein and Maxwell inhabited. Why society still needs to listen Maxwell's case isn't just about one woman's crimes, it's about how society fails victims, how power shields abusers, and how complicity often looks like silence. Maxwell leveraged charm, privilege, and elite social circles to sustain exploitation and for years, her reputation shielded her behavior from scrutiny. Her fall was dramatic, but it also forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about wealth, gender, and influence. Survivors still haven't been heard fully Even now, survivors including Virginia Giuffre (who tragically passed away in April 2025) remain at the heart of this story. Families like hers argue any leniency toward Maxwell is a betrayal not just to the survivors but to the cause of justice. Giuffre's statements before she died are still some of the most powerful testimony to Maxwell's cruelty. A political flashpoint, not a closed case Now we come to the political dimension: speculation surrounds whether Donald Trump might pardon Maxwell or leverage her testimony for political gain. His MAGA allies are fueling the idea that she could expose a broader network of shared connections. Right-wing commentators portray Maxwell both as a potential whistleblower and a victim but many observers see these efforts as cynical political tactics. Why we're still talking about it If you've tuned out, here's why this case refuses to vanish: Justice isn't complete: Epstein died in custody, but Maxwell lives and could speak. Elite networks still intact: Unanswered questions remain about who else may have enabled or protected abuse. Systemic lessons: The case highlights shortcomings in policing, prosecuting, and protecting survivors. This isn't just another celebrity scandal. It's a cultural reckoning wrapped in a legal drama that keeps revealing new stakes. Whether you're exhausted by simply watching from afar, the Maxwell saga matters—not just for the past, but for how society chooses to confront privilege, power, and justice.
Mint
41 minutes ago
- Mint
Modi's swadeshi call: A pragmatic approach
Mint Editorial Board The PM asking citizens to favour Indian made products is consistent with his emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat. This is a practical approach that needn't be taken as a throwback to the days of India's closed economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public advice on self-reliance should not lead policymakers to shut out foreign goods or overlook avenues of globalization that remain open. Gift this article Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to buy locally made products. 'The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests," he said on Saturday, adding that India too 'must remain alert to its own economic priorities." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to buy locally made products. 'The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests," he said on Saturday, adding that India too 'must remain alert to its own economic priorities." Also Read: Survival in times of predatory trade: Is Asia on to something? Though he didn't name US President Donald Trump or his harsh tariff policy, the trigger for this exhortation is unmistakably American. Trump's warped view of fair trade is forcing countries to look inward. This is bad for global trade overall, but a reality we must contend with. That said, while Modi's public advice is in line with his 2020 emphasis on self-reliance under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat, it should not lead policymakers to shut out foreign goods or overlook avenues of globalization that remain open. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Indian trade is holding up but is that enough? Efforts to promote local manufacturing are consistent with an insistence on industries facing competition that incentivizes them to raise their game and aim for the global league. Being Indian can spell a preference for self-made products without a return to harmful aspects of our pre-1991 closed economy if we leave it to consumer choice. Topics You May Be Interested In
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Business Standard
41 minutes ago
- Business Standard
USCIS warns: Stricter family visa checks and fraud crackdowns from August
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has tightened screening procedures for family-based immigrant visa petitions, effective August 1, 2025. The updated policy, released on Friday, expands vetting measures to ensure that only genuine family relationships lead to lawful permanent residence in the country. 'Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident status and undermine family unity in the United States,' USCIS said in its release. What has USCIS changed for family-based immigration Under the new guidance, USCIS will carry out more rigorous checks on petitions filed under family sponsorship categories. The update explains who is eligible to apply, what supporting documents must be submitted, and how cases with multiple petitions will be scrutinised for inconsistencies or potential fraud. 'When a petitioner submits multiple filings for different relatives, or when there are related petitions pending, these will be evaluated collectively during the adjudication process,' USCIS said. The agency has also laid down clear procedures for US citizens living abroad. In certain cases, American military personnel and government employees stationed overseas will be allowed to file family petitions directly from abroad. What was the US rule before? Previously, while USCIS had general screening processes in place, the adjudication largely focused on documentation submitted by applicants. In-person interviews were not always required for both petitioners and beneficiaries, especially for straightforward cases. Additionally, once a petition was approved, the case would proceed to either status adjustment within the US or consular processing abroad, with limited oversight on pending or related filings. What now changes for applicants Under the revised policy, USCIS has clarified when it will mandate in-person interviews for both the petitioner and the beneficiary to verify the authenticity of claimed family ties. The agency has also reiterated that an approved petition does not automatically confer legal status. 'Approval of a family-based petition does not itself grant any immigration status or protect an individual from removal,' USCIS said. The guidance explicitly mentions that if a beneficiary is later found to be ineligible, the agency will initiate removal proceedings, regardless of an approved petition. Where approved petitions go next For applicants who are unable to adjust their status within the US, approved petitions will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing through consular channels abroad. This ensures that all cases undergo a secondary layer of verification before a visa is issued. USCIS said these changes are part of its broader efforts to maintain the integrity of the family-based immigration system. 'We are committed to keeping Americans safe by detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States,' USCIS said.
