The U.S. Department of Justice has released more than 300 pages of transcripts and recordings from a two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, the former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. The disclosure, conducted on July 24–25, 2025, comes after months of public pressure to increase transparency in the government’s handling of the Epstein investigation.
WHY THE DOJ RELEASED THE MATERIAL The decision to release the interview followed sustained calls from lawmakers, journalists, and the public for greater access to information surrounding the Epstein case. Earlier this year, a federal judge rejected petitions to unseal grand jury materials, noting that they contained no new information and were protected by secrecy rules.
In response, the Department of Justice moved to provide access to other forms of documentation. Officials described the release of the Maxwell interview as an effort to meet transparency demands without violating the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings.
The Interview Setting The interview took place inside the federal facility where Maxwell is serving her sentence. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted the questioning over two days. According to the transcript, Maxwell was offered limited immunity as a condition of participation. This agreement protected her from further prosecution based on her statements unless she was found to have lied.
The deal was designed to encourage candid answers while preventing additional charges tied directly to the inter- view itself. DOJ officials emphasized that the arrangement was not unusual in high-profile cases where investigators seek clarity on contested public claims.
KEY POINTS FROM MAXWELL’S STATEMENTS During the exchange, Maxwell directly addressed several areas that have circulated in speculation since Epstein’s death in 2019.
**No “Client List” or Blackmail Operation** Maxwell stated that she was not aware of any so-called “client list” or evidence of blackmail associated with Epstein. “There is no list,” Maxwell said. “I’m not aware of any blackmail. I never heard that. I never saw it.”
She described widespread references to such documents as unfounded.
**Comments on Public Figures**
Maxwell fielded questions on a number of well-known names that have been linked to Epstein in media coverage: - Donald Trump: Maxwell said she never witnessed the former president in an improper situation and referred to him as “a gentleman in all respects.”
- Bill Clinton: She stated she never saw Clinton at Epstein’s private island and characterized their relationship as social but not tied to Epstein.
- Prince Andrew: Maxwell denied introducing Prince Andrew to Epstein and said a widely published photograph of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre was likely fabricated.
**Other Notable Claims**
Maxwell recounted that Epstein may once have been “set up” on a date with Princess Diana during the 1980s, though she expressed uncertainty about the details. She also questioned the official ruling of Epstein’s death as a suicide, suggesting the possibility of other causes without providing evidence.
REACTIONS TO THE RELEASE
The publication of the interview drew immediate attention from multiple audiences. Attorneys representing Epstein’s accusers described Maxwell’s remarks as incomplete and noted that her immunity agreement limited the risk of consequence for minimizing her role. Political figures responded along party lines, with some highlighting her defense of President Trump and others emphasizing her conviction record.
The Department of Justice maintained that the purpose of releasing the transcript was to address public concern over secrecy in the Epstein investigation rather than to reopen the case. Officials reiterated that Maxwell’s statements do not alter her conviction or sentence.
BROADER CONTEXT
Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody and Maxwell’s subsequent conviction have fueled widespread speculation about the scope of Epstein’s activities and his connections with influential individuals. Multiple lawsuits, Freedom of Information Act requests, and congressional inquiries have sought further documentation.
The Department of Justice has argued that while grand jury materials remain protected under law, releasing interviews like Maxwell’s provides the public with greater clarity. Legal analysts note that the use of limited immunity in such situations is a standard prosecutorial tool, intended to balance the need for testimony with constitutional protections.
Maxwell continues to appeal her 2021 conviction. Court records show her legal team has cited procedural issues and jury selection concerns in ongoing motions. The release of her interview does not affect the status of that appeal.
LOOKING AHEAD
For now, the release marks one of the most significant disclosures related to the Epstein case since Maxwell’s trial. The DOJ has not indicated whether additional interview transcripts or materials from other witnesses will be made public.
By providing access to the Maxwell transcript while holding back grand jury evidence, federal officials appear to be pursuing a middle course—addressing public demand for transparency while adhering to the restrictions of federal law.
