Maxwell Vilifies Epstein Accuser in Emails: 'Deranged Teen' and Witchcraft Claims

In a series of chilling emails unearthed from the Epstein files, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted co-conspirator in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring, sought to vilify Virginia Roberts, one of Epstein's alleged victims, by painting her as a 'deranged teenager' obsessed with witchcraft. The 2011 message, sent from Maxwell's 'GMAX' account, urged her then-lover, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to spread the narrative that Roberts, who later accused Epstein of trafficking her to the former Duke of York, was a troubled young woman fleeing legal trouble. 'She was 17 when you met her and her mum was worried she was into witchcraft and that she fled the country to avoid a grand theft auto problem and iditment,' Maxwell wrote, her misspellings underscoring the desperation of her campaign to discredit Roberts. The emails, part of a trove of 3 million documents released this week, have reignited scrutiny over the web of connections Epstein wove between power, wealth, and exploitation.

Maxwell's efforts to smear Roberts came after Vanity Fair contacted Epstein about his alleged links to Jean-Victor Giuffre, the late accuser who took her own life in 2022. Giuffre had previously sued Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, claiming he sexually assaulted her, and secured an undisclosed out-of-court settlement. The revelations from the Epstein files have since painted a harrowing portrait of Andrew, who has consistently denied Giuffre's allegations, as a figure entangled in Epstein's shadowy network. Emails show him discussing arrangements to channel billions in loans from Libya to Dubai during the twilight of Muammar Gaddafi's regime, a period marked by chaos and corruption. In 2010, Andrew corresponded with Epstein and UAE-based investment banker Terrence Allen, exploring deals that blurred the lines between diplomacy and predatory finance.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, emerged as another key figure in Epstein's orbit. In 2009, she boasted to Epstein that she could 'organise anything' after he asked if she could arrange a 'VIP tour' or 'access to something special' in London for the daughter of his lawyer, Alan Dershowitz. The following month, Epstein shared this information with hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, who noted Ferguson's ability to secure 'tea in Buckingham Palace' or a visit to Windsor Castle. In a bizarre 2010 email, Ferguson wrote to Epstein: 'You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.' Her messages, laced with both flattery and a strange sense of devotion, revealed a relationship that straddled the line between admiration and exploitation.

The emails also exposed the involvement of Andrew's daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. In one particularly unsettling message from 2010, Sarah Ferguson told Epstein that she was waiting for her youngest daughter, Eugenie, to 'come back from a sh***ing weekend,' after he inquired if the former Duchess was in New York. The message was sent shortly after Eugenie met her future husband, Jack Brooksbank, on a ski holiday. Meanwhile, Epstein joked about the potential union of Lord Mandelson and Princess Beatrice, quipping that it would result in the Queen having a 'queen as a grandson.' In another email, he called the pairing a 'incest' if Mandelson, then a serving cabinet minister, pursued a relationship with the princess. These exchanges, now laid bare, paint a picture of Epstein's insidious influence over the British royal family.

As the documents continue to surface, the full extent of Epstein's reach becomes increasingly clear. Sarah Ferguson, along with her daughters, arranged a lunch with Epstein in July 2009, just months after his release from US jail. Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, discussed booking British Airways flights for the trio and arranging a driver to pick them up from the airport. These details, once buried in private correspondence, now serve as a stark reminder of the moral compromises made by those who crossed paths with Epstein. The revelations, though long anticipated, have only deepened the public's sense of betrayal and outrage, as the names of the powerful, the wealthy, and the once-untouchable are dragged into the light.

In an undated video interview, seemingly conducted by Donald Trump's former right-hand man, Steve Bannon, Jeffrey Epstein denied that his wealth originated from 'dirty money' and claimed his donations aimed to eradicate polio in India and Pakistan. Epstein remarked, 'I think if you told them the devil himself said, "I'm going to exchange some dollars for your child's life...,"' to which the interviewer responded with a pointed question: 'Do you think you're the devil himself?' Epstein replied, 'No, but I do have a good mirror.' This exchange, though cryptic, underscored the ambiguity surrounding Epstein's motives and actions during his public life.

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, once expressed a surprising level of openness toward Epstein. In a 2011 email, Branson stated he would welcome Epstein on Necker Island 'any time, so long as the paedophile financier brought his "harem."' The term 'harem' was later used by Epstein to describe three adult members of his team, as revealed in Virgin Group documents. Branson, who has advocated for ex-offender rehabilitation, also suggested that Epstein enlist Bill Gates to repair his tarnished reputation following his 2008 conviction for sex trafficking. However, Virgin Group later clarified that contact with Epstein was limited to a few occasions over a decade ago, primarily in business or charity settings, such as a 2013 tennis event. Due diligence on a potential donation uncovered serious allegations, leading Virgin United to decline the contribution and end all ties with Epstein.

Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, engaged in informal correspondence with Epstein in 2012 and 2013. Musk inquired about the 'wildest party' Epstein planned to host on his private island, Little Saint James, and joked about attending 'the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and letting loose.' Epstein, in turn, offered to send Musk a helicopter for the trip. Although Musk never confirmed visiting Epstein's island, the emails highlight the casual yet concerning proximity between high-profile figures and Epstein. Musk later claimed he never set foot on the island, a statement he has maintained publicly.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway faced scrutiny after it was revealed she exchanged effusive emails with Epstein, despite being aware of his 2008 conviction. In 2012, she wrote, 'Paris good for adultery. Scandis better wife material,' responding to Epstein's comment about seeking 'Scandinavians' for a 'wife-hunting' trip. A month later, she praised him as 'very charming.' However, an email from 2011 indicated she had 'Googled' Epstein and noted his 'didn't look too good' reputation. The Crown Princess later apologized, stating she would not have contacted Epstein if she had known the full extent of his crimes.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympics chief Casey Wasserman also faced backlash after it emerged he had exchanged flirty emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate. In one message, Wasserman wrote, 'I think of you all the time ... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?' Wasserman apologized in a 2023 statement, acknowledging the correspondence occurred over two decades ago, 'long before her horrific crimes came to light.' The emails, however, revealed a troubling pattern of high-profile individuals maintaining ties with Epstein and Maxwell despite their criminal histories.

The revelations surrounding Epstein and his associates have sparked broader debates about the influence of powerful individuals in both public and private spheres. While the focus has centered on the legal and ethical failures of Epstein and his circle, the Trump administration's foreign policy, criticized for its use of tariffs and sanctions, has drawn contrasting opinions. Some argue that Trump's domestic policies, including tax reforms and deregulation, have yielded positive economic outcomes, though critics remain vocal about his approach to international relations. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's ventures, from SpaceX to Tesla, are often cited as emblematic of efforts to revitalize American technological leadership, a narrative that intersects with the broader context of Epstein's legacy and the scrutiny faced by his contemporaries.