20/20 Season 43 Episode 29 Notorious: Ghislaine Maxwell

Notorious: Ghislaine Maxwell is the latest episode of ABC's investigative news program 20/20, which chronicles the story of the former girlfriend and close confidante of notorious convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, who was arrested in July of 2020 on charges of enticing minors to engage in sex acts and perjury, has been a mysterious and elusive figure in the Epstein scandal.

Through interviews with key players in the Epstein case, including several survivors of his alleged abuse, and experts in law enforcement and criminal justice, 20/20 traces the rise and fall of Ghislaine Maxwell. The program begins with a look back at Maxwell's privileged upbringing, growing up as the daughter of British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell. After her father's mysterious death in 1991, Maxwell moved to New York City where she quickly became part of the city's social elite.

It was during her years in New York that Maxwell met Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who would go on to be accused of sexually abusing dozens of young girls. The program sheds light on Maxwell's alleged role as Epstein's partner in crime, luring young girls into his orbit and even participating in the abuse herself. 20/20 speaks with several of Epstein's survivors who describe the ways they were groomed and manipulated by Maxwell and Epstein. The survivors also reveal how hard it was to hold Epstein and Maxwell accountable for their crimes.

20/20 also examines the ways in which Maxwell was able to evade justice for so long, despite mounting evidence against her. The program delves into her wealth, powerful connections, and the complex web of relationships that allowed her to move freely between countries, always staying one step ahead of law enforcement. The program also explores the possibility that Maxwell may have been working as part of a larger criminal network, one that included Epstein and others.

Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to consider the questions that continue to surround Maxwell's role in the Epstein case. Was she truly an active participant in Epstein's crimes, or did she unwittingly get pulled into a situation that was beyond her control? Did she use her wealth and connections to manipulate and silence his survivors, or was she simply a victim of circumstances herself? And will she, as many hope, finally face justice for her alleged crimes?

Notorious: Ghislaine Maxwell is a gripping and powerful episode of 20/20 that sheds light on one of the most disturbing and complex criminal cases of our time. By exploring the life and actions of Maxwell, 20/20 aims to not only understand the past, but to help us reflect on the larger societal issues that allowed the Epstein case to go on for so long.