Accusers, family members and lawyers are among those who have reacted to Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking conviction,
The 60-year-old former British socialite and ex-girlfriend of late billionaire financier Epstein is now facing the prospect of years in prison, after being found guilty on five out of six charges against her.
She was accused of recruiting and grooming four teenagers for Epstein to molest between 1994 and 2004 at his various properties.
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The family of Maxwell only offered a brief statement following proceedings in court, saying: “We believe firmly in our sister’s innocence- we are very disappointed with the verdict.
“We have already started the appeal tonight and we believe that she will ultimately be vindicated.”
Virginia Giuffre, one of the most high-profile accusers of Jeffrey Epstein, tweeted her reaction, saying: “My soul yearned for justice for years and today the jury gave me just that.
“I hope that today is not the end but rather another step in justice being served. Maxwell did not act alone. Others must be held accountable. I have faith that they will be.
“I will remember this day always. Having lived with the horrors of Maxwell’s abuse, my heart goes out to the many other girls and young women who suffered at her hands and whose lives she destroyed.”
Lawyers for other accusers echoed Ms Giuffre’s relief, with one saying Epstein’s victims will be able to “sleep better tonight” following the verdict.
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Maxwell’s lawyers dodge questions as they leave court
Robert Glassman, who represented “Jane”, said: “We are pleased that the jury has found Ms Maxwell guilty of the heinous crimes she committed against our client, Jane, and the other brave women who had the courage to show up and testify at trial.
“The verdict screams loud and clear – if you make it easier for another to sexually abuse children, you, too, will be held accountable for your role in that abuse.
Jack Scarola, who represented victim “Carolyn”, commended the bravery of other accusers in the trial, adding: “Satisfaction with Maxwell’s conviction is tempered by the knowledge that other co-conspirators have yet to be held responsible for their involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s extraordinary criminal enterprise.
“Doors closed by Epstein’s death may be opened by the very strong motivation Maxwell now has to unlock every door to which she holds a key.”
Lisa Bloom, who represents a number of Maxwell’s and Epstein’s accusers said she was “moved to tears” by the decision.
“Convicted sex trafficker Maxwell has finally been held to account for bringing girls to Jeffrey Epstein,” she added.
“Maxwell got to walk free on this earth for 60 years. May she never walk free again.
“The lesson: you do not have to be perfect to stand up for justice.
“All four of Ghislaine’s accusers endured tough cross examinations about drug use, sexual behaviours, inconsistent statements.
“The jury saw through it and delivered justice.”
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Elsewhere, Annie Farmer, who testified under her real name in the trial, said: “I am so relieved and grateful that the jury recognized the pattern of predatory behaviour that Maxwell engaged in for years and found her guilty of these crimes.
“I hope that this verdict brings solace to all who need it and demonstrates that no one is above the law. Even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse and exploit the young.”
Her sister, Maria, added that they were “sobbing with joy” outside the court after Maxwell was handed her conviction.
As news of Maxwell’s verdict came through, a statement from the US attorney’s office said: “A unanimous jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable – facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children.
“Crimes that she committed with her long-time partner and co-conspirator, Jeffrey Epstein.
“The road to justice has been far too long.
“But, today, justice has been done. I want to commend the bravery of the girls – now grown women – who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom.”