Kathrine Frich
Ghislaine Maxwell used to move easily through elite political and social circles, known more for her connections than for public scrutiny.
That changed dramatically after the downfall of Jeffrey Epstein, when her private life and past associations became the focus of global attention.
Now serving a lengthy prison sentence, Maxwell has returned to the headlines at a sensitive moment for US authorities and the justice system.
From society figure to defendant
Maxwell is a British-born socialite who spent much of her early life among wealthy and influential circles.
She later became closely associated with financier Jeffrey Epstein, acting as a long-term partner and fixer within his social world.
Prosecutors said that relationship placed her at the centre of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, accusing her of helping recruit and groom underage girls.
Maxwell has consistently denied wrongdoing and portrayed herself as a scapegoat after Epstein’s death.
She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking-related offences.
Last-minute court filing
Maxwell has now asked a court to throw out her conviction, filing a habeas petition just days before a new batch of Epstein-related records is due to be released.
According to ABC News, the filing claims that “substantial new evidence has emerged” showing she did not receive a fair trial. The request was submitted without legal representation.
In the filing, Maxwell argued that “exculpatory information” had been withheld from the defence.
“This newly available evidence, derived from litigation against the Federal Bureau of Investigation, various financial institutions, and the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as from sworn depositions, released records, and other verified sources, shows that exculpatory information was withheld, false testimony presented, and material facts misrepresented to the jury and the Court.”
Files set for release
The move comes just two days before the deadline for releasing the next tranche of Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Justice Department is required to publish unclassified records related to Epstein and Maxwell, including FBI case files, search-warrant material from raids on Epstein’s properties, interview memos, financial records and flight logs.
While some material may be redacted to protect victims or ongoing investigations, the law does not allow redactions for embarrassment or political sensitivity.
The legal bid follows a series of failed appeals by Maxwell and coincides with renewed public interest after previously unseen images from Epstein’s private island were released earlier this month.
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell, now 63, remains the most senior figure held accountable in connection with his crimes.
