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By Jenna Sundel and Hannah Parry
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A Jeffrey Epstein sexual assault survivor has issued a dire warning for the United States justice system if Ghislaine Maxwell was to be granted a presidential pardon.
Why It Matters
Critics have speculated that President Donald Trump could pardon Maxwell following her meeting with Department of Justice officials to answer fresh questions about the Epstein case. When asked about that possibility Friday, Trump failed to rule it out, instead telling reporters outside the White House that he was "allowed to do it" but it was "something I haven't thought about."
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What To Know
Teresa Helm, now a sexual exploitation survivor coordinator, told MSNBC Friday that a pardon for Epstein's ex-girlfriend and associate Maxwell, "would mean the complete crumbling of this justice system."
Helm said the justice system should "first and foremost stand for, fight for and protect survivors."
What was Ghislaine Maxwell Convicted of?
In 2021, Maxwell was convicted of conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, conspiracy to transport minors to participate in illegal sex acts, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts, sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking of a minor. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022.
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Will the Epstein Files Be Released? What We Know
Hundreds of pages of court documents that name people with ties to Epstein have already been unsealed. The names include victims of sex abuse, his employees and others with a passing connection to the scandal, and those individuals are not accused of any wrongdoing.
A "client list" belonging to Epstein has never been released. In a joint memo released by the Department of Justice and FBI earlier this month, the agencies stated their review revealed no "incriminating 'client list.'"
"It is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted," the agencies said.
Pardon vs. Commutation: Difference Explained
A pardon wipes out a conviction and restores full rights of citizenship, such as the right to vote.
A commutation is a reduction of a sentence. The conviction stays on record, and no rights are restored.
The president has the power to issue pardons and commutations.
What People Are Saying
Teresa Helm, in comments to MSNBC: "We all deserve a pathway to justice and then we don't deserve to have it yet again robbed from us because so much has already been taken."
What Happens Next
Maxwell concluded a two-day interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday.
"The Department of Justice will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time," Blanche said on X.
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