NEW YORK — Ghislaine Maxwell, a key figure in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation, stated there was no client list or blackmail scheme involving high-profile individuals during her recent interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that Maxwell, who has been incarcerated since 2020, claimed she never witnessed any criminal activity by notable figures such as former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.

Maxwell's two-day interview with Blanche took place last month. During this session, she asserted that throughout her association with Epstein from the early 1990s to the mid-2000s, she had no knowledge of any illicit acts committed by Epstein's well-known associates. The Department of Justice provided a transcript and audio of the interview to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in response to a congressional subpoena.

The 63-year-old Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein's trafficking of underage girls, also claimed she was misidentified by a witness during her trial. She insisted she was not involved in the sexual exploitation of minors. Maxwell was granted limited immunity for her interview, meaning her statements could not be used against her unless she lied.

Blanche, who previously represented Trump as a defense attorney, indicated that the purpose of the meeting was to explore whether Maxwell had information about others who may have committed crimes against victims. This meeting followed the recent dismissal of Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor who had led Maxwell's prosecution.

Maxwell's legal team reportedly initiated the request for the meeting. Her attorneys have not sought a pardon from Trump but stated that she would welcome any relief. During the nine hours of questioning, Maxwell was asked about numerous prominent individuals, including tech billionaires and celebrities. In each case, she denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.

Maxwell's attorney, David Markus, stated that she was questioned about around one hundred different people, and she did not hold back in her responses. Among those mentioned were Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Kevin Spacey. Maxwell also dismissed the existence of an alleged "Epstein client list" and claimed there was no evidence that Epstein used compromising information to extort others.

Maxwell compared the investigation into Epstein's associates to the Salem witch trials, suggesting that the search for culpability was misguided. Significant portions of the interview focused on Trump and Clinton, both of whom had previously praised Epstein before allegations of misconduct surfaced.

Maxwell claimed that Clinton had no particular interest in Epstein beyond using his private jet for travel. She also stated that Trump was merely a social acquaintance of Epstein and that she never observed any inappropriate behavior involving him.

The interviews have drawn criticism from Epstein's victims, with Annie Farmer, a key witness in Maxwell's trial, expressing strong objections to any potential leniency for Maxwell. As Maxwell continues to seek a review of her conviction by the U.S. Supreme Court, the fallout from her interviews remains a topic of significant public interest.