Epstein Victim: The sex-trafficking trial of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has heard an alleged survivor was groomed for abuse from the age of just 14.
Asked earlier why she remembered the first time she was abused by Epstein, the woman said it was more clear than other events “because it’s the beginning of when my life would change forever.”
Minor victim one’s testimony appears to be a key component of the case, US v Ghislaine Maxwell.
Known as Jane, she was the first of four women whom prosecutors have described as underage victims of Maxwell and the socialite’s former boyfriend.
The Epstein victim testified that the dead financier began sexually abusing her when she was 14 years old.
She told the court how Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s ex-lover and defendant in the case, normalised the abuse by being in the room.
The alleged acts left her feeling ashamed and humiliated.
“I’ve always just wanted to put this past me. I moved on with my life,” Jane said.
“I work in the entertainment industry and victim shaming is still very present to this day.”
Talking publicly could also affect her career, the Epstein victim said.
“I didn’t really want any part of it,” she said.
“I just wanted it to go away.”
She added: ”I was terrified and felt gross and felt ashamed.”
Prosecutor Alison Moe asked Jane : “Who was most frequently in the room when you had sexual contact with Jeffrey Epstein when you were 14 years old?” “Ghislaine Maxwell,” Jane said.
But Maxwell’s counsel Bobbi Sternheim asked the woman why it took twenty years for her to report the alleged assaults.
As well the defence lawyer, focused on her career as an adult. She described Jane as an actress.
“She is a pro at playing roles,” Ms. Sternheim said.
The New York Times said the lawyer asserted Jane had changed her story to obtain millions of dollars in compensation from a fund established for Epstein’s victims.
If the jury believes Epstein victim Jane, it could be “game over” for Maxwell.
But how the defence team will try to undermine this testimony though is becoming apparent.
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to all charges against her.
The trial, in New York City, is expected to last six weeks.
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