Ep 2. Power Geisha

Chasing Ghislaine is a true crime docuseries that follows the investigation of Ghislaine Maxwell, the former socialite and associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Power Geisha," investigative reporter Vicky Ward delves deeper into the mysterious world of Maxwell.

The episode starts with Ward explaining how Maxwell was a socialite who knew how to network and build connections. She talks about how Maxwell came from a wealthy family, and her father was a well-known media mogul. Ward also talks about how Maxwell was known to be charismatic and had a way of making people feel important.

Ward then dives into the story of a young woman named Maria Farmer, who met Maxwell and Epstein in 1995 when she was 26 years old. Farmer talks about how Maxwell introduced herself as a British aristocrat and helped her get a job modeling for Victoria's Secret. However, things quickly turned sour when Maxwell and Epstein sexually assaulted Farmer and her younger sister.

Ward then investigates Maxwell's history in the art world and how she used her connections to promote the work of Jeffrey Deitch, a well-known art dealer. Ward speaks to former gallery employees who describe how Maxwell would often have private meetings with Deitch and suggest which artists to promote.

The episode also delves into Maxwell's connections to Harvard University. Ward speaks to a former professor who explains how Maxwell was able to secure funding for a Harvard event and how she used her connections to help her friends get into the university.

It's revealed that Maxwell also had connections to the UN and had even attended UN functions with Epstein. Ward speaks to a former UN employee who reveals that Maxwell was able to attend a UN event with Epstein after purchasing a $25,000 sponsorship package.

Ward also explores the idea that Maxwell may have been involved in trafficking young girls for Epstein. She speaks to a former housekeeper who describes how Maxwell would often bring new girls to Epstein's mansion in New York City. The housekeeper also describes how she saw Epstein and Maxwell act inappropriately with young girls.

The episode ends with Ward once again attempting to contact Maxwell's lawyers to get a comment on the allegations against her. Despite her efforts, she is unable to get a response.

Overall, "Power Geisha" is an eye-opening episode that explores Maxwell's vast network of connections and suspected involvement in Epstein's crimes. Ward's investigation sheds light on an often-hidden world of influence and privilege.