Epstein Survivors Dispute Ex-Assistant's Testimony to Congress

Several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse are challenging the testimony of his former assistant, Lesley Groff, who told U.S. Congress she was unaware of the girls and young women who were subjected to abuse.

“

Lesley Groff knew what was happening in Epstein's inner circle, which is why the committee chairman, James Comer, should have asked her to testify under oath.

Groff, who worked for Epstein for 18 years, stated in June that she never met the victims and was unaware of their pasts or ages. However, multiple survivors, including four who spoke publicly and two anonymously, told CNN that they met Groff personally, discussed their ages with her, and received payments directly from her. These accounts directly contradict Groff's statements to lawmakers.

Groff's testimony to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee claimed she was deceived by Epstein and unaware of his abuses. Despite being a potential accomplice in a 2008 non-prosecution agreement, she was never indicted. "Lesley Groff knew what was happening in Epstein's inner circle, which is why the committee chairman, James Comer, should have asked her to testify under oath," said Sara Guerrero, communications director for the committee's ranking Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia. "Lying to Congress is a crime, and anyone who does so must be held accountable, without exception."

“

Lying to Congress is a crime, and anyone who does so must be held accountable, without exception.

The survivors' frustration is mounting, with many fearing the congressional hearings will not lead to accountability for others involved. Ghislaine Maxwell remains the only person convicted in the U.S. in connection with Epstein's case. The Justice Department has stated there is insufficient evidence for further charges, even after the release of millions of documents. "So many people come and say they don't know, they don't remember anything," said Marina Lacerda, one of the survivors.

“

So many people come and say they don't know, they don't remember anything.