“Kate”

Kate addressed the court at Ghislaine Maxwell’s sentencing, describing the long shadow the abuse had cast over her life.

She stated that Maxwell was not a passive participant or a bystander. Maxwell actively sought out young girls, groomed them, normalized sexual abuse, and delivered them to Epstein. Kate emphasized that Maxwell “knew exactly what she was doing” and took pleasure in her role.

Kate described the confusion and shame she carried for years. Because Maxwell was a woman, it was harder to recognize what was happening as predatory behavior. Maxwell exploited the trust that a young girl naturally places in an older woman.

She told the court that the abuse fundamentally altered her sense of self and her ability to form healthy relationships. She described years of therapy, setbacks, and the ongoing work of recovery.

Kate asked the court to impose a sentence commensurate with the depth of Maxwell’s involvement. She stated that Maxwell was not an accessory — she was a principal architect of a system designed to exploit children.