Leading up to and during Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial, her legal team was repeatedly cautioned by the court not to publicly identify or expose her accusers. Federal prosecutors and Judge Alison Nathan emphasized that protecting the anonymity of those who testified against Maxwell was critical, both for their safety and for the integrity of the proceedings. The defense had access to the identities of the alleged victims for the purposes of preparing their case, but they were strictly barred from disclosing these names in court filings or in open arguments. Any slip or attempt to hint at the women’s full identities risked both sanctions and potential mistrial complications.

This restriction was part of a broader effort by the court to ensure that survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell’s alleged abuse could testify without fear of retaliation, harassment, or media intrusion. Several accusers used pseudonyms such as “Jane,” “Kate,” “Carolyn,” and “Annie” in open court, with Judge Nathan reinforcing those protections throughout the trial. Maxwell’s attorneys pushed the limits at times by suggesting details that could indirectly identify the women, but they were quickly reined in. The judge’s clear warnings underscored the tension between Maxwell’s right to a robust defense and the accusers’ right to privacy and protection, reflecting the high-stakes atmosphere of the trial.








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source:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/31/ghislaine-maxwells-lawyers-told-not-id-child-sex-abuse-accusers/5553678002/