Names such as Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Stephen Hawking have been revealed in US court documents connected to Ghislaine Maxwell’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sexual abuse victims. The unsealed documents also mention many of Epstein’s associates, who are not accused of any wrongdoing. The documents were part of a 2015 defamation case by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, and were made public by Judge Loretta Preska in December.
The first set of around 250 documents includes details of Epstein’s activities with his associates and the testimony of Johanna Sjoberg, who described incidents involving Prince Andrew and allegations regarding Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. Virginia Giuffre’s deposition named prominent figures like hedge fund owner Glenn Dubin, billionaire US businessman Tom Pritzker, the late New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, and more. These figures have all previously denied her allegations.
One email from Epstein to Maxwell suggests “issue a reward” for anyone who contests Ms. Giuffre’s allegations, specifically focusing on former US president Bill Clinton and physicist Stephen Hawking. This was part of the efforts to discredit Ms. Giuffre’s claims. However, Stephen Hawking’s appearance on Epstein’s island and association with the financier has been previously reported. A spokesperson for Mr Clinton previously refuted any association with Epstein.
The newly unsealed documents also detail Epstein’s relationships with politicians, celebrities, and royalty, highlighting his ease with high-powered individuals despite the heinous nature of his crimes. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019, while Ghislaine Maxwell is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.