Nov 29, 2021
Court had issues with 2 jurors dealing with vacation and jobs interfering so trial didn't start until 2pm.
I arrived around 9:45 am and waited outside online on a pretty cold NYC day.
I spoke with 2 journalists from Vanity Fair in the lobby.
We were let into the overflow room just in time for the lunch break so we waited another hour upstairs. Room 506.
Trial was in room 318 I was told. Another overflow room in room 110.
Opening statements began with the Prosecution- She began referring to "Jane", 14 year old in 1994 in Palm Beach Fla at a picnic and was approached by a man and a woman, Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.
From then on it was a "nightmare". They were Predators who abused many more teens.
GM would take her shopping, have sexualized conversation, ask about her family, etc. GM would also be in the room when JE was abusing the girls. Between 1994-2004
Early 1990s GM & JE were a "couple", best friends, GM was "Lady of the House", ran JE properties, did hiring /firing.
She was instructed to Not speak to JE directly. The girls were and staff were not allowed to speak.
GM & JE were "Partners in Crime".
The girls were offered Scholarships, many from struggling, single parent homes, were asked about their hopes and dreams. They had school paid for, were able to model, be in music, acting.
Sexual topics were discussed by GM with the teens. Massage therapy was the cover used.
An excuse to touch JE and he also touched them.
Pictures of nude girls hung on walls in NYC mansion and Palm Beach house.
There were massages and sexual abuse every day.
JE would start out in a prone position then turn into a supine position where he would touch the girls with vibrators, have intercourse with them, make them perform oral sex on him.
GM helped JE find girls. She also touched the girls bodies. GM was "essential" in gaining their trust. GM maintained a lifestyle for herself.
14 year old was invited with her mother to JE house in PB Fla. Jane was given $100s for sexual massages, voice lessons,
GM would undress in front of Jane then Jane undress in front of JE.
Jane traveled to NYC where she was sexually abused with other teens.
16 year old at the New Mexico house with GM who then touched her breasts.
17 year old was then used to recruit other teens for JE over a decade continuously. Girls recruited new girls.
"A kid pyramid scheme"
1994-2004 GM played Essential Role of Predator. Sex trafficked girls across state lines.
We will show proof GM was there to "put victims at ease".
Accusers will share the most painful experiences of her childhood that changed their lives forever.
We will hear from friends and relatives of the Accusers who witnessed calls from GM
JE staff, employees will testify what rules were imposed on them.
Law Enforcement who searched JE NYC mansion, pictures of nude girls everywhere.
Evidence of Massage equipment, vibrators,
Flight logs- will show JE and others flew with minors. JE sent gifts to 15 year olds
Evidence will prove a case of child sex trafficking and GM and JE to be dangerous Predators for a decade.
The Prosecution began with the story of "Adam and Eve" and how "women have been blamed" for men's actions throughout history.
How GM was "manipulated" by JE. How its been 15-25 years so the Accusers memories are "faded", "corrupted memories" How GM was a "scapegoat". How the Accusers got "millions" from a "fund".
How GMs job in Real Estate management for JE was "time consuming".
The Prosecution made JE out to be an upstanding "supporter of the arts".
"Acedemics, an astronaut, interesting people.
GM worked out of JE and her own residences.
4 Accusers- Jane, Annie, Kate from 94-2004 and Carolyn in 2007. Carolyn sued JE and assistant "Kelly" but not GM.
Prosecution went on again how "experts" are going to speak about "false memories".
Called JE a 20th Century James Bond.
She called JE "charitable" and the grooming of the teens as "normal".
She said 17 years old is the "age of consent in NYC".
I know people who are in their 50s who aren't even mature.
Adults were robbed during the Mortgage scandal. They gave their consent as well. So its clearly NOT about age to consent.
People of age were robbed by Madoff and were still seen as victims.
Its about the Accusers being in a vulnerable, desperate situation that others in better positions exploited. Its not age its duress.
Prosecution kept saying- "Memory, Manipulation & Money"