Johanna Sjoberg

Johanna Sjoberg testified under oath that she was a college student at Palm Beach Atlantic University when she was approached by Sarah Kellen on campus in approximately 2001. Kellen told her about a job opportunity working for a wealthy philanthropist.

Sjoberg went to Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion expecting legitimate employment. She was offered a role answering phones and performing administrative tasks, but the job quickly evolved into giving Epstein massages, which became sexual in nature.

Sjoberg described traveling to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse on East 71st Street, where she encountered other young women in similar situations. She testified that the atmosphere was controlled — girls were scheduled for visits, and Maxwell or Kellen coordinated the logistics.

In one of the most widely reported details from her deposition, Sjoberg described an incident at the Manhattan townhouse involving Prince Andrew, Duke of York. She testified that during a visit in approximately 2001, Prince Andrew was present at the townhouse. Someone produced a puppet of Prince Andrew — a Spitting Image-style caricature. Sjoberg stated that Prince Andrew placed his hand on her breast while posing for a photograph with the puppet. She described the moment as bizarre and uncomfortable.

Sjoberg testified that she continued visiting Epstein’s properties over a period of time, receiving payments for massages. She stated that Ghislaine Maxwell was a regular presence who normalized the sexual aspects of the arrangement.

She described the lasting impact of her experiences, including feelings of shame and confusion about what had happened. Sjoberg stated that she did not fully understand the exploitative nature of the situation until years later when the case became public.