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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Who is Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend who is in federal spotlight again?
Ghislaine Maxwell, at the centre of national attention again despite being sentenced to 20 years in jail, represents much more than the image of a fallen socialite. Once a fixture of elite parties in New York and London, she was convicted three years ago for aiding Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of underage girls. This week, Todd Blanche, the US Deputy Attorney General, met with her for several hours over two days. What emerged from those conversations is unknown, but Blanche later wrote on social media that the Justice Department 'will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time.' His visit comes amid renewed political pressure over the federal government's handling of the Epstein case — a pressure intensified by President Donald Trump's refusal to answer questions about the disgraced financier. Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Markus, said there were no discussions with the government about a presidential pardon, but added: 'The President this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way.' Maxwell, 63, was born into British privilege as the youngest daughter of Robert Maxwell, the Czech-born media tycoon whose empire included The Daily Mirror and publisher Macmillan. After her father died in 1991 under mysterious circumstances, falling from his yacht, Ghislaine relocated to New York City. In the US, Maxwell entered elite social circles and was seen at major public events. She attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding and was photographed in 2000 with Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and Epstein. According to CNN, she was also seen at the Clinton Global Initiative summit, though Chelsea Clinton's spokesperson, Bari Lurie, said Maxwell was invited because she was dating a friend of Clinton's. She was photographed at a memorial service soon after, seated beside a man who would come to define her public legacy: Jeffrey Epstein. Their relationship was at times romantic, though she later worked for him in various roles, managing his household staff and personal affairs. As investigators would later allege, her proximity to Epstein extended far beyond domestic management. According to federal prosecutors, between 1994 and 2004, Maxwell helped Epstein groom and traffic girls as young as 14. Court documents and trial testimony portrayed her as a recruiter, someone who could set victims at ease by offering the reassurance of an approving adult woman. The abuse, prosecutors said, occurred in a well-oiled system: Maxwell would invite girls on shopping trips, pay for travel, and promise educational assistance. She would undress in front of the girls, discuss sexual topics, and normalize the idea of giving Epstein massages that turned sexual. She sometimes participated. In exchange, the victims were paid in cash and, in some cases, pressured to bring in more girls. Maxwell's attorneys claimed that her accusers' memories had been shaped and distorted by lawyers pursuing civil suits. But in December 2021, a jury convicted her on multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking and conspiracy. She was sentenced in 2022. Maxwell has long insisted she had no knowledge that Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, was sexually abusing minors. Virginia Giuffre, one of the most vocal Epstein survivors, said she was recruited by Maxwell as a teenager while working at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. Giuffre later sued Maxwell for defamation after Maxwell dismissed her claims as 'obvious lies.' The case was settled in Giuffre's favor. Giuffre also filed a lawsuit against Prince Andrew of Britain, alleging he had sexually abused her at Epstein's homes. He denied the charges, but settled the suit in 2022. Maxwell is currently appealing her conviction to the US Supreme Court, arguing that a 2008 non-prosecution deal Epstein struck with Florida prosecutors should have shielded her from federal charges. The Justice Department has urged the Court to reject that claim. Despite her incarceration, Maxwell remains a person of interest to federal investigators and to members of Congress. The House Oversight Committee voted this week to subpoena her for a deposition. Blanche, in a statement posted to social media, left open the possibility that Maxwell could assist in identifying others who may have committed crimes against Epstein's victims. 'If Ghislaine Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims,' he said, 'the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say.' Her attorney, Markus, said only that Maxwell would 'always testify truthfully.' Maxwell did not take the stand during her own trial, but she has given two long depositions in previous civil cases. In them, she dismissed the idea that Epstein's homes were filled with minors. 'As far as I'm concerned, everyone who came to his house was an adult professional person,' she said at the time. The testimony of four women proved damning, and Maxwell was ultimately convicted on five of six charges. (With input from New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, AP)
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Hundreds in Wales face long waits for cancer treatment
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, more than 750 people waited too long to start treatment in May, despite some improvements in cancer waiting times compared to last year. Hannah Buckingham, senior external affairs adviser at Macmillan, said: "Today's data is yet more evidence that who you are and where you live continues to shape people's experience of cancer significantly – and that must change." The charity said cancer must become 'an urgent priority' for the Welsh Government ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Ghislaine Maxwell: From British heiress to convicted sex offender – net worth, Epstein ties and more
Source: X Once a fixture of elite social circles in London and New York, Ghislaine Maxwell now serves a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein 's sex-trafficking network. Her life has spanned from the lavish halls of Oxford and royal palaces to a 6-by-9-foot prison cell, as one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures linked to the Epstein scandal. Born into privilege Ghislaine Maxwell was born on December 25, 1961, into one of Britain's most influential families. Her father, Robert Maxwell, was a Czech-born British media mogul and Member of Parliament who built a publishing empire that included the Daily Mirror and Macmillan. Her mother, Betty, was a French scholar and Holocaust researcher. Ghislaine was the youngest of nine siblings and reportedly her father's favorite. Educated at Marlborough College, Ghislaine went on to study modern history and languages at Balliol College, Oxford University. Fluent in several languages, she was often described as poised, intelligent, and deeply ambitious. Beginning of an end On November 5, 1991, Robert Maxwell was found dead, floating near his yacht, the Lady Ghislaine, off the Canary Islands. His death was officially ruled accidental, but conspiracy theories persist. After his death, it was revealed that Robert Maxwell had looted hundreds of millions of pounds from his companies' pension funds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo His empire collapsed under debt, and the family's fortune was largely wiped out. Source: X Though devastated by the loss of her father, Ghislaine relocated permanently to New York City. There, she rebranded herself as a socialite and entrepreneur, eventually crossing paths with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier whose private wealth and connections would come to define the darkest chapter of her life. Romantic relationships Despite growing up in the shadow of her powerful father, Ghislaine Maxwell carved out a highly public personal life, often linked to influential men across business, aristocracy, and tech. Count Gianfranco Cicogna (1980s) In the 1980s, Ghislaine was linked to Count Gianfranco Cicogna, a member of Italian aristocracy and heir to a considerable fortune. Their relationship was well-documented in society pages in the UK, where she was a known presence on the party circuit. Jeffrey Epstein (Early 1990s–2000s) By the early 1990s, Maxwell had become closely involved with Jeffrey Epstein. According to The New York Times, 'she was Epstein's best friend, former girlfriend, and confidante.' Though they were no longer romantically involved after the late 1990s, they continued to work and travel together extensively. Court filings later accused her of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein's sexual abuse network. Source: X Ted Waitt (2004–2010) Following the public distancing from Epstein, Maxwell dated Ted Waitt, founder of Gateway Inc., a PC company. Waitt was a billionaire and philanthropist, and the two were considered a power couple in the sustainability and oceanic conservation space. In 2012, Waitt's foundation gave $10 million to The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, around the time Maxwell founded her own nonprofit, The TerraMar Project. Their relationship quietly ended before 2011, and Maxwell retreated further from public view. Scott Borgerson: The secret husband Among the most enigmatic figures linked to Ghislaine Maxwell in her later years was Scott Borgerson, a tech entrepreneur and former CEO of the Boston-based shipping analytics firm CargoMetrics. Maxwell and Borgerson reportedly met in 2013 through professional and philanthropic circles in Boston, and quickly developed a private relationship. Despite the growing legal scrutiny Maxwell faced due to her ties with Jeffrey Epstein, the couple managed to stay out of the public eye for several years, eventually settling into a home in the upscale seaside town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Their relationship remained a mystery until Maxwell's July 2020 bail hearing, when her legal team revealed that she was secretly married to Borgerson. The revelation stunned court observers and the public alike, not only because of Maxwell's sudden marital status but also because of how closely it intertwined with her legal circumstances. Court filings noted that Maxwell had transferred ownership of a 156-acre New Hampshire estate, where she was ultimately arrested by the FBI, to a company tied to Borgerson. Borgerson, in an effort to support her bail application, submitted a letter to the court that painted a starkly different picture of Maxwell than the one dominating headlines: 'I have never witnessed anything close to inappropriate with Ghislaine. Quite to the contrary, the Ghislaine I know is a wonderful and loving person,' he wrote. Despite his public support, Borgerson largely retreated from view following Maxwell's arrest and subsequent criminal trial. In 2021, The Daily Mail reported that Borgerson had ended the relationship and was seen with another woman, although no formal divorce has been publicly confirmed. His name no longer appears in legal filings on her behalf, and his whereabouts, as well as the current state of their marriage, remain unclear. Net worth Maxwell's net worth has long been shrouded in secrecy. Although she was born into a fortune, most of Robert Maxwell's empire collapsed in debt. During her bail hearings, Judge Alison Nathan stated Maxwell was a "flight risk" due to "opaque" finances and "undisclosed assets." Court records revealed that between 2007 and 2011, over $20 million was transferred to her from Epstein-controlled offshore accounts. These funds came from various sources, including the sale of properties, like a Manhattan townhouse valued at $15 million. Despite these transactions, her defense insisted she had no hidden wealth. In her 2020 bail application, she claimed assets worth just under $4 million, a figure prosecutors challenged.
Mint
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Who is Ghislaine Maxwell and why her testimony could change the Jeffrey Epstein case
Ghislaine Maxwell, the former British socialite and convicted sex offender, may be ready to speak out about her long-standing association with Jeffrey Epstein. According to a report in the New York Post, Maxwell is expected to meet US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to explore the possibility of a deal in exchange for cooperation with federal authorities. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence at a low-security prison in Florida, was convicted in 2021 for recruiting and grooming young girls for Epstein, who died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. 'She's going to make a deal,' said noted lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who once represented Epstein. 'That's how it works. They make deals with mafia members, and they'll likely do the same here.' Ghislaine Maxwell is the daughter of late British media tycoon and former Member of Parliament Robert Maxwell, who once owned the Daily Mirror and publishing giant Macmillan. Known for her elite connections, Ghislaine was a regular in high society circles and even counted Britain's Prince Andrew among her close friends, often being spotted at royal residences, including Windsor Castle, the news agency AP reported. However, her life took a dramatic turn after her father's mysterious death in 1991, when he fell off his yacht. Investigations later revealed that Robert Maxwell had embezzled millions from his companies' pension funds, sending shockwaves through the UK. It was soon after his death that Ghislaine Maxwell was seen seated beside American financier Jeffrey Epstein at a memorial service, marking the beginning of a controversial partnership. Maxwell reportedly dated Epstein and later became a key figure in his inner circle, managing his multiple residences and staff. She has since been convicted for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking operation and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in the US. Legal experts believe Maxwell could hold critical information about the full scope of Epstein's sex trafficking operation, including names of both victims and alleged perpetrators. Some of Epstein's victims were reportedly forced to recruit others, further complicating the case. Maxwell, often referred to as the 'Rosetta Stone' of the Epstein scandal, is believed to have deep insight into both Epstein's circle and his finances. Though she has largely remained silent, Maxwell has indicated through her brother Ian Maxwell that she is willing to testify before a Congressional committee. If that happens, it would mark the first time her full version of events is heard by federal authorities. Until now, she has maintained her innocence and refused plea negotiations. The case has resurfaced after the US Justice Department announced plans to release information from recent FBI raids on Epstein's properties, only to later reverse the decision. This renewed focus has made Maxwell's account more significant than ever. The Justice Department has maintained there is no existing 'client list' linked to Epstein's alleged network. Maxwell's brother, Ian, has echoed that claim, stating that what some refer to as a 'list' was merely a high-profile address book, not evidence of trafficking. He also insists that his sister should never have been prosecuted, citing Epstein's 2007 plea deal in Florida, which promised immunity to his co-conspirators. However, New York prosecutors successfully argued that the deal was not applicable outside Florida. Maxwell has been incarcerated since 2022 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee. Her family has repeatedly raised concerns over her safety, citing poor living conditions, solitary confinement, and a lack of adequate staffing at the prison. With her legal appeal options dwindling, barring a final petition to the US Supreme Court, Maxwell may now be more inclined to cooperate in hopes of a sentence reduction. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has previously dismissed the Epstein case as a 'hoax,' responded to the news of possible cooperation by saying, 'It sounds appropriate to do, yeah,' according to Politico. As questions around Epstein's death and his powerful connections continue to spark speculation, Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony may finally shed light on one of the most scandalous and mysterious criminal cases of recent decades.
Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
What to know about Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend
Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial in 2019, but his case has generated endless attention and conspiracy theories because of his and Maxwell's links to famous people, including royals, presidents and billionaires. Advertisement President Donald Trump has suggested in the past there was a cover-up. Now his administration is dealing with the fallout after the Justice Department initially announced two weeks ago that it would not release any more evidence about the Epstein investigation. The department has since changed course, at Trump's urging. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? She grew up as the daughter of the late British billionaire Robert Maxwell, a former member of Parliament whose publishing empire included the Daily Mirror, one of Britain's biggest tabloid newspapers, and the book publisher Macmillan. As a college student, she became close friends with Britain's Prince Andrew, who would later invite her to royal residences, including Windsor Castle. But the Maxwell family was shattered by scandal. After Robert Maxwell fell from his yacht and died in 1991, investigators accused him of embezzling huge sums of money from his companies' pension funds. Advertisement Soon after her father's death, Ghislaine Maxwell was photographed at a memorial sitting next to Epstein, an American money manager. Maxwell dated Epstein but later also became his employee, taking on a variety of tasks, including hiring staff for his six homes. How did Ghislaine Maxwell help Epstein? Part of Maxwell's household duties included hiring a steady stream of young people to give massages to Epstein. 'As far as I'm concerned, everyone who came to his house was an adult professional person,' she said in a deposition nearly a decade ago. But police and prosecutors said many of those 'masseuses' were underage girls who were paid for sexual acts. Epstein was arrested in 2006 in Palm Beach, Florida, after multiple girls, including students from a local high school, spoke to police. But he ultimately pleaded guilty in 2008 to a single charge of procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and served 13 months in jail. Maxwell wasn't charged until 2021. At her trial, four women testified that Maxwell groomed them as teenagers to participate in sexual acts with Epstein and sometimes participated in the abuse. Maxwell's lawyers argued that the women's recollections had been manipulated by lawyers pursuing civil lawsuits, pointing to inconsistencies in their testimony. A jury convicted Maxwell of sex trafficking, conspiracy and transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity. Why do investigators want to talk to Maxwell now? The Justice Department's request to talk with Maxwell comes at a time when it is dealing with backlash from some of President Donald Trump's supporters, some of whom believe there has been a government cover-up to protect Epstein's rich and powerful friends from being implicated in his crimes. Advertisement The department asked a judge last week to unseal transcripts of the grand jury sessions that led to indictments against Epstein and Maxwell. The Justice Department said in a memo that it had not uncovered evidence to charge anyone else in connection with Epstein's abuse. But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on social media that 'if Ghislane Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say.' He said he anticipated meeting with Maxwell in the coming days. Will she talk? It remains to be seen. One of her lawyers, David Oscar Markus, said Tuesday that they were in discussions with the government. 'Ghislaine will always testify truthfully,' he said in the statement. Maxwell did not testify at her trial but gave two lengthy depositions years ago. She repeatedly said that one of Epstein's accusers, who claimed he had trafficked her to powerful men, including Prince Andrew, was a liar who fabricated her story. Where is Ghislaine Maxwell now? Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence and is currently at a low-security federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida. Her attorneys have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court after a lower court upheld her convictions last fall.
