“Ghislaine, 22 years ago, in the summer of 2000, you saw me at the Mar-a-Lago Hotel in Florida and made a choice. You decided to follow me and propose to Jeffrey Epstein. A few hours later, you and he, together, insulted me for the first time. Together you have harmed me physically, mentally, sexually and emotionally. Together you did unthinkable things that still have a corrosive effect on me. When you did, Ghyslaine, you changed forever the course of our lives.” This statement by Virginia Roberts Giuffre was read in court. Like her, other victims of Jeffrey Epstein said they talked about how Ghislaine Maxwell was his right hand and lured and raped even underage girls with him. Now the verdict has come: Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
“Maxwell worked with Epstein to select young victims who were vulnerable and played a vital role in facilitating the sexual assault.”, the judge said, specifying that the case required a “very important verdict” that would send an “unmistakable signal” that such crimes would be punished. Maxwell, now 60, said in a statement that he “admits” the suffering of the victims and “deeply empathize” with them.She also said that meeting Epstein, who committed suicide in prison in 2019, is “the biggest regret of his life.” “I believe that Jeffrey Epstein,” he said in court – fooled everyone in his orbit. His victims considered him a mentor, a friend, a lover.” The lawyers said they would appeal, and their client “slandered”.
During the trial, there were many women who spoke about Epstein’s abuse and the explicit role of Maxwell, who was the hostess at the Palm Beach, Florida villa where the bullying took place. The girls, chosen and attracted by deceit and promises of money and aid, were often in precarious and very young economic conditions, even at the age of 14. Some have reported trying to kill themselves after what was done to them.. “Today is not a happy day. I don’t enjoy being part of a world where all this is needed,” said one of the victims, identified as Kate. “I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these brave women and do whatever it takes, to stop Ghyslaine.”
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Source: Elle