Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted child sex trafficker and former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, is reportedly at a pivotal stage in her legal battle to secure a retrial, just as U.S. authorities claim Epstein’s rumored “client list” never existed.
Maxwell, 63, is currently serving a 20-year sentence in a U.S. prison for her role in helping Epstein sexually exploit underage girls.
Despite multiple failed appeals in recent years, her case has returned to the spotlight following a new update from the U.S. government.
Last week, the FBI released findings related to its investigation into Epstein’s death and the broader case, including a video they say proves Epstein died by suicide while in custody.
Significantly, the Bureau also denied the existence of any so-called “client list”, a rumored document that allegedly contained the names of high-profile individuals connected to Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
According to a report by MailOnline, Maxwell is now making a final push for a retrial, appealing her case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A Department of Justice insider described the situation as a “do or die moment,” adding: “Ghislaine believes she has multiple grounds for appeal.”
In April, Maxwell formally submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, arguing that her conviction should be overturned on the basis of a non-prosecution agreement Epstein previously struck with the U.S. government, an agreement she believes should have protected her from prosecution.
Her legal team is also reportedly considering an appeal to the Trump administration. MailOnline claims that U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer has requested additional time to review the matter.
Speculation around a supposed “client list” has swirled for years, with many believing Epstein kept records of powerful figures involved in or complicit with his criminal activities. Earlier this year, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi even implied the existence of such a list.
The rumors reemerged during the high-profile public spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, when Musk claimed (without providing evidence) that Trump’s name was on the list.
But in its recent statement, the FBI sought to shut down these theories, stating: “This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list’. There was also no evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions."
It added: "We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”
This announcement directly contradicts earlier suggestions from U.S. officials that all Epstein-related documents would eventually be made public.
As Maxwell waits to hear whether the Supreme Court will take up her case, the denial of a client list could significantly affect both her legal strategy and public perception of the broader Epstein scandal.