One witness, who claimed to be Kate and whose pseudonym is “Kate”, said that Jeffrey Epstein had raped her when she was teenager. Ghislaine Maxiwell then told her she was a “good girl”, a court heard yesterday.
Kate claimed she was was 17 when she was introduced to Maxwell by a boyfriend on a trip to Paris in 1994, as she took the stand on day six of Maxwell’s high-profile sex trafficking trial.
The prosecution asked Kate to clarify that Maxwell had called her a “good girl” after she provided Epstein with a London-based massage. Maxwell told her to wear schoolgirl clothes on another occasion, she claimed.
Kate is not Maxwell’s principal accuser but was brought in to testify as a defense witness. On Monday, she appeared at Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in New York.
Kate gave evidence that Maxwell invited Kate to Belgravia in London. Maxwell said Epstein had cancelled her massage therapist and she asked her if she would fill in.
Kate claimed that Epstein removed his robe so that he could show his naked body, and Maxwell gave her massage oil. Kate claimed that Epstein had initiated sexual contact.
Kate said that Maxwell asked Kate, “How went it?” You had fun, didn’t you? It was so much fun.
Witness claiming to be ‘Kate,’ said Maxwell called her “good girl” after she had given Epstein a spa treatment in London’s Belgravia while she was still a teenager
Kate stated that she was asked by Maxwell to dress her as a schoolgirl to take Jeffrey’s tea in Palm Beach (both photos taken in 2005).
Kate said, “She sounded so happy and I was glad that she was satisfied.”
Kate spoke in a British accent and claimed that she discovered a dress for a schoolgirl on her bed while on vacation to Palm Beach at the age of 18.
It was short and pleated, with white socks, white pants, and a blouse. Ghislaine was downstairs, so I went down.
“I asked her where the clothes were and she answered, “I thought it would have been fun for Jeffrey to drink his tea in that outfit.”
Kate put her on the suit and went to Epstein who was at Epstein’s pool house doing some exercise.
She stated, “I did not know how to say no.” Florida was not a place I knew. I had no idea even where the house was and I wasn’t sure if I did say no… what kind of consequences there might be for me.
Ghislaine offered me a tray. She told me that Jeffrey would be there and to bring me the tray.
Kate told Epstein that Epstein had engaged her in sex after they met.
‘Later Maxwell told me to find someone to give Epstein a b***job,’ Kate claimed, and said Maxwell told her he needed to have sex ‘three times a day’
Ghislaine Maxwell embraces her lawyer Bobbi Starheim as she stands trial Monday
Kate explained that Maxwell later asked Kate if she was having fun, then said to me that he thought I was very special and that I was one his favourites.
Kate said that Epstein would get her involved in sexual activity whenever she saw him. Maxwell was also a frequent talker about sexual topics.
She stated, “She would speak about nature. She would mention boys and boy willies. This is an euphemism to penis.
‘She asked me if I knew anybody who could give Jeffrey a b***job because it was a lot for her to do.’
Maxwell once said to Kate, “You know his likes?” You are cute, beautiful and young like Maxwell.
Maxwell’s Belgravia residence was the setting for famous photos of Prince Andrew, Virginia Roberts, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Kate stated that Maxwell said to her once in a while Epstein must ‘have sex at least three times daily’.
Kate claimed that she was gifted a Maxwell Prada bag on her 18th birthday. After having had sex, she said that this was the result.
Prior to Kate giving evidence, Alison Nathan stated that Kate was not a victim of the alleged crime because she was older than consent.
Judge Nathan stated that Maxwell was not guilty based solely on Kate’s testimony and could not use Kate’s evidence to determine Maxwell’s character.
It can be used by the jury only to determine if the matter is’relevant’. The judge stated.
Kate was not allowed to discuss the details of Epstein’s encounters after the ruling.
Kate was wearing a black cardigan and black blouse, with black polka dots on the blouse, and black pants.
While she was sitting in the witness booth, Maxwell had her hair tucked in a ponytail. Maxwell seemed impassive, and sat mostly in her chair.
Kate stated that Maxwell introduced her to Maxwell when she turned 17 years old. She was then living with Maxwell’s mother in Belgravia, who was also ill.
According to her, Epstein removed his robe so that he could show his nakedness. Maxwell then gave Maxwell his massage oil and shut the door. Epstein was brought to court with his massage table on Friday
The jury was presented with the table by a detective who opened it up to them. Maxwell was reportedly not emotional (pictured below in a sketch from Friday’s court hearing).
Kate claimed that Maxwell was the first person she met in Paris while on a vacation with someone she was currently dating. He was 38 at the time and introduced Maxwell as he already knew Maxwell.
Kate said this about Maxwell: “We talked over the evening, where we were going, and we also discussed where I was living.” They talked about my boyfriend. “She was interested in me.”
Kate stated that Maxwell was very sophisticated and elegant, with a short brown hair. Her achievements were impressive.
Kate thought Maxwell was only in her 30s when she called. Maxwell called Maxwell a few months later after Kate had given her her number.
Kate stated that she was excited to become friends with Kate and was also friends with the man she was seeing. She was very enthusiastic and seemed like everything that I wanted.
Maxwell lived in Belgravia, where Kate recalls many pictures of Epstein and Maxwell.
Maxwell was told by Kate that she lived with her mother alone and her mom suffered from migraines. Maxwell had to get her massages.
Maxwell said Kate could study law at Oxford University. Kate claimed that Kate was eligible for this program. Kate stated that she is a musician and suggested she may pursue it. She also talked about her passion for athletics.
Kate stated that she enjoyed a “really wonderful time” during Maxwell’s meeting. After sighing, she stated that Maxwell made her feel special. I felt I had found a connection that could be really meaningful to me…she seemed as excited as I was to have a new friend. It was exhilarating. I felt like someone wanted me. I wanted someone to be my friend.
Maxwell spoke to Kate about Epstein, saying that he was an ‘entrepreneur who likes to help young people’ and that it would have been a great honor to meet him.
Bobbi Sternheim, the defense attorney arrives in court on the sixth day for the Ghislaine Maxiwell trial
Ghislaine’s sisters Isabel and Kevin Maxwell came to the federal courthouse Monday in support of their sister.
Kate stated that she felt lonely at one time and had just relocated from France to England. She said she hadn’t met any friends.
Maxwell invited Kate to come back to her house to see Epstein a few weeks later. Maxwell seemed to have an urgent voice, Kate stated. Epstein sounded activated as Maxwell spoke.
Kate replied, “She stated she would love to go over to him and have a good time.”
Kate arrived, and Epstein was dressed in sweat pants and a jacket and on the phone. Maxwell, who was on the phone with Kate at the end of his call, said that Kate had told him about Epstein and that she was going to Oxford. He also explained that Kate is a talented singer and was hoping to attend Oxford.
Maxwell claimed Kate was strong and athletic for her weight – Maxwell was then 98 lbs., Maxwell told the jury.
Kate stated: “She asked him to give his feet a squeeze, so he can see how strong you’re.”
“I massaged them. Epstein was very helpful and suggested that you do my shoulders. He stated that I had a strong personality and seemed to be able to decide what I want.
Maxwell called Kate two weeks later, and Kate was invited to her next meeting.
Kate claimed Maxwell informed her Epstein had been due for a massage, but Epstein’s therapist had called and canceled. Could you please help her out by coming to my house as I have such strong hands.
Lara Pomerantz, the prosecutor asked Kate if she was a masseuse then or now. She replied: “No.”
Kate stated that she visited Epstein’s Palm Beach estate and was presented with schoolgirl dresses. These outfits included a skirt, short pants, white panties, and white socks. As evidence, Epstein’s Palm Beach house was shown.
Maxwell said to Kate that Epstein needed massages every day and that it was difficult for her to keep up with them when she arrived at the home. The door opened to reveal a large room with a table and massage tables. She led me up the stairs. It was darkly lit. There was also a massage table in the small space.
Kate stated that Epstein entered the room in a robe, then took it off to be naked.
When Kate was asked what Maxwell did she respond that she was in the doorway facing Maxwell and gave her some oil for massage.
Kate replied, “Ghislaine maxwell”, when she was asked whether anyone closed the door.
Pomerantz wanted to know if Epstein made sexual contact with Kate, and if he performed a sex act.
Kate stated that Maxwell met her downstairs after she left.
Kate replied: “She said: “How did it turn out? It was fun. Did you have fun? It was good?
Maxwell called Kate a couple of days later to invite her back to her home.
Maxwell said to Kate, as she walked up the stairs, that Maxwell had told her, “You did such an excellent job last time. He wanted you back.”
Kate entered the upstairs room and saw a table with massage chairs. Epstein was also naked. Maxwell stated to Kate, ‘Have an enjoyable time!’
Kate said that Epstein had once again initiated sexual contact with her and did a sex act.
Kate said Maxwell asked her if she had fun when Maxwell came down to the house. She’s such a nice girl. I’m so happy you were able to come….he obviously likes you a lot’.
“She seemed very happy. She seemed really happy.
Kate claimed that she was gifted a Maxwell Prada bag on her 18th birthday. This happened after she had sex in a bar with Epstein.
On Monday, Kate stated that she was only in her 20s when Epstein took her to Epstein’s private Caribbean island. She called it “Little St. Jeff”
Kate was asked whether she ever met any girls other than Maxwell. She replied, “One time I saw a blonde girl about her age at Maxwell’s tea.”
Maxwell asked her similar questions to the ones she’d been asking during their first meeting.
Maxwell replied to Kate when she asked about Maxwell’s daughter, saying that she thought she would be an excellent fit for Epstein.
Kate stated that she would see Epstein till she was near her 30’s. This is more than 10 years. Maxwell was until around 24.
Kate stated that Epstein was asexual to her when she first saw him.
Kate explained that Maxwell would talk to her about sexual issues when they met.
Kate answered a question about Maxwell’s manner and said, “It felt like she was speaking like a schoolgirl. It was strange. Everything was fun, everything was silly….everything seemed to be like a fun silly joke.
Kate understood that Maxwell was Epstein’s girlfriend. Her job was to look after his ‘needs, however they may appear.
Kate claimed that she flew to Palm Beach, New York to visit Maxwell, Epstein, and their private island, on the Caribbean. She was flying commercial and Maxwell would call her.
Maxwell was also responsible for managing his properties. Kate, who visited the Palm Beach house around 18 years old, told the jury.
Kate explained that Epstein had to like everything and there was a lot of rules.
Kate claimed Maxwell was a talker about Maxwell’s social circle right in front of her.
She stated that she knew everyone. She told me she was close friends with Prince Andrew and Donald Trump.
Kate claimed that she was flying to Maxwell’s and Epstein’s Palm Beach, New York locations. Maxwell also had a private island on the Caribbean. She flew commercially and Maxwell would call her.
Kate, who was 23 when Epstein visited her island, recalled having sex with Epstein that day.
Kate was the only person to speak to prosecutors during 2019.
Kate claimed that she had stayed so long in Epstein’s and Maxwell’s worlds because she was scared of what she would do if she spoke out or left.
She stated that she felt fearful because of the ‘how connected’ they were.
Kate confessed that she used drugs like cocaine and sleeping pills in her 20s, but said it didn’t affect her ability to recall these experiences.
Kate stated that she was awarded $3.25m by the Epstein victim fund. However, some of this money went to her legal team.
Kate is pictured at right in this sketch. She recalled visiting Epstein’s island as a young woman, and that she had sex with him during that trip.
Bobbi Strerheim, Maxwell’s lawyer asked Kate to answer questions during cross-examination about Kate’s involvement with a man ‘connected the royal family’
Her reference to Tom Parker-Bowles (son of the Duchess) seemed to have been to her.
According to reports, Kate may have been paid by the tabloids to help him get high in a 1999 drug sting.
Kate said that she had recorded the man when they met at Cannes Film Festival. However, she denies having recorded him.
Sternheim stated: “But he had been recorded?” Sternheim said: ‘But he was recorded?’ Kate replied yes.
Sternheim replied: “In an interview in which he tried to get you to take drugs?”
Kate replied, “Yes.”
Sternheim denied that Kate was paid for her operation, and said to Kate: “You did it for nothing?”
Kate stated, “Did you do what?”
Kate confessed that Epstein sent her emails in 2008 while she was behind bars for sexual solicitation of underage girls. She offered to send Epstein pictures, but she didn’t actually send the images.
Kate stated that she confirmed signing off emails.
Kate said that Epstein asked her to come stay at her home in New York in 2011. However, Epstein was away at the time and the visit didn’t take place.
According to her, the last time Kate spoke with Epstein was 2012 when she had become a mom.
Sternheim stated that Kate had told a friend she met on the plane, that the Epstein case had “fallen into her lap”. The claim was denied by Kate.
Sternheim said that Kate talked to Ray Hamilton more recently. She claimed that the case was progressing and she wanted to get the money and go to Italy with your baby’.
Kate laughed, and she said “No.”
Sternheim asked Kate to answer a question after she finished lunch. She asked if the two of them had discussed St. Trinians when they asked her to dress in the schoolgirl attire.
Kate wasn’t allowed to reply because the prosecution objected.