Challenges Faced by Ghislaine Maxwell: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Ghislaine Maxwell's life and career.

Ghislaine Maxwell is a British-French-American former socialite convicted of sex trafficking and other offenses related to Jeffrey Epstein. In 2021, she was found guilty of enabling Epstein's abuse of underage girls. In 2022, she was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for her role in the crimes.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2015: Civil lawsuit details made public

In January 2015, details of a civil lawsuit were made public, containing a deposition from "Jane Doe 3" accusing Ghislaine Maxwell of recruiting her in 1999, when she was a minor, and grooming her to provide sexual services for Jeffrey Epstein.

2015: Maxwell faces perjury charges for 2015 civil suit

In 2015, Ghislaine Maxwell faced a second criminal trial for perjury on two charges that she lied under oath during a civil suit about Epstein's abuse of underage girls. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

2015: Maxwell's denial of involvement

In 2015, Ghislaine Maxwell rejected allegations that she had acted as a procurer for Jeffrey Epstein and denied facilitating Prince Andrew's alleged acts of sexual abuse.

2015: Giuffre sues Maxwell for defamation

In 2015, Virginia Giuffre sued Ghislaine Maxwell for defamation in federal court in the Southern District of New York.

May 2017: Settlement in Giuffre's favor

In May 2017, the defamation case between Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell was settled in Giuffre's favor, with Maxwell paying Giuffre "millions".

2017: Sarah Ransome files suit against Epstein and Maxwell

In 2017, Sarah Ransome filed a suit against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell alleging Maxwell hired her to give massages to Epstein and later threatened to harm her if she didn't comply with their sexual demands.

2018: Exposé reveals identity of Jane Doe 3

In 2018, an exposé by Julie K. Brown in the Miami Herald revealed Jane Doe 3 to be Virginia Giuffre, who asserted that Ghislaine Maxwell had introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein.

2018: Settlement of Ransome's suit

In 2018, the suit filed by Sarah Ransome against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell was settled under undisclosed terms.

July 2019: Sex trafficking allegations and TerraMar Project cessation

In July 2019, following sex trafficking allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, the TerraMar Project, a non-profit founded by Ghislaine Maxwell, announced it would cease operations.

July 2019: TerraMar Project Announces Closure

On 12 July 2019, the TerraMar Project announced its closure, less than a week after sex trafficking charges against Epstein became public.

September 2019: Application Made to Close Terramar (UK)

In September 2019, specifically on the 4th, an application was made for the United Kingdom organisation, Terramar (UK), to be closed, with the first notice in The London Gazette made on 17 September 2019. Maxwell was listed as a director of this company.

December 2019: Terramar (UK) Officially Dissolved

On 3 December 2019, the company Terramar (UK) was listed as officially dissolved.

July 2020: Arrest and charges by the U.S. federal government

In July 2020, Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested and charged by the federal government of the United States with crimes including enticement of minors and sex trafficking of underage girls related to her association with Jeffrey Epstein.

July 2020: Maxwell's Arrest in New Hampshire

In July 2020, Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested at a remote property in Bradford, New Hampshire. At the time of her arraignment, federal prosecutors stated that Maxwell was married.

December 2021: Conviction on five counts, including sex trafficking

In December 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted on five out of six counts, including one of sex trafficking of a minor.

2021: Guilty verdict in child sex trafficking trial

In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offences in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.

February 2022: Prosecutors Respond to Maxwell's Petition for a New Trial

On 4 February 2022, prosecutors told the judge that Ghislaine Maxwell's arguments for a retrial, submitted under seal, must be "publicly docketed," and the judge required the reasons for the sealed submission to be made public.

April 2022: Judge Dismisses Maxwell's Request for a New Trial

In April 2022, the judge dismissed Ghislaine Maxwell's request to set aside the verdict, finding that a juror's failure to disclose his childhood sexual abuse during jury selection did not warrant a new trial.

June 2022: Maxwell Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

On 28 June 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being placed on suicide watch a few days prior, although she claimed to not be suicidal. Her lawyers' request for a sentencing delay was denied.

July 2022: Maxwell Appeals Conviction and is Transferred to FCI Tallahassee

In July 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell appealed her conviction on July 7th. Then, on 25 July 2022, she was transferred from Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn to FCI Tallahassee, a low-security federal prison for female inmates.

August 2022: Lawyers Sue Maxwell for Unpaid Legal Fees

In August 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell's former lawyers sued her, alleging that she failed to pay $878,000 in legal fees.

2022: Sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment

In 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment in federal court in New York City.

September 2024: Maxwell's Convictions Upheld; Appeal to Supreme Court Planned

On 17 September 2024, three judges at Manhattan's Second US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Ghislaine Maxwell's five convictions and sentence. Her lawyer indicated she would appeal to the US Supreme Court.