Ghislaine Maxwell Trial: Annie Farmer Testifies Epstein Climbed into Bed ‘Frozen’
Annie Farmer, the fourth accuser in Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex abuse trial, took the stand on Friday to share her harrowing experience. Farmer revealed that when she was just 16, she felt frozen when the late financier Jeffrey Epstein climbed into bed with her. Her testimony sheds light on the disturbing nature of the alleged abuse orchestrated by Maxwell and Epstein.
Farmer accepted an invitation to Epstein’s ranch in New Mexico, hoping that she and Epstein could help fund her college education. However, instead of receiving assistance, she became a victim of Maxwell’s predatory behavior. Farmer recounted how Maxwell fondled her breasts, and Epstein climbed into her bed without consent. These experiences left her feeling violated and manipulated. All these experiences made me feel like they had a very different interest in me, Farmer shared with the court.
What sets Farmer’s testimony apart is her decision to testify using her true identity, unlike the three previous accusers who testified under pseudonyms or first names to protect their privacy. Farmer’s willingness to come forward further strengthens the case against Maxwell.
The prosecution has indicated that it could wrap up its case by the end of the week. Should the defense’s presentation next week be brief, closing arguments might take place as early as December 20, as suggested by the judge. Initially expected to span six weeks, the trial could conclude sooner than anticipated.
Maxwell, who is 59 years old, has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of sex trafficking and other charges related to her alleged involvement in recruiting and grooming four teenagers for Epstein’s abuse between 1994 and 2004. The defense argues that Maxwell is being scapegoated due to Epstein’s death in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex abuse charges. Epstein’s death was ruled as suicide.
During her testimony, Farmer expressed her discomfort with visiting Epstein’s ranch, as he had previously held her hand and caressed her during a movie theater encounter in New York. Despite her reservations, Farmer did not believe Epstein would touch her at the ranch with Maxwell present.
While at the ranch, Maxwell insisted on providing Farmer with a massage. Farmer revealed that Maxwell touched her breasts during the massage. Although she did not see Epstein during the encounter, she felt his presence and believed that he could see her. Feeling trapped, she desperately wanted the uncomfortable experience to end.
Later, as Farmer lay in bed, Epstein entered her room jokingly expressing a desire to cuddle. He then got into bed with her and pressed his body against hers. Farmer described feeling frozen with fear and used the excuse of needing to use the toilet as a way to escape Epstein’s presence.
Before Farmer’s testimony, the jury had already heard from three women who were teenagers when Maxwell arranged for their abuse by Epstein. They recounted how Maxwell encouraged them to give Epstein massages that would inevitably lead to sexual encounters.
It’s important to note that US District Judge Alison Nathan instructed the jury that any physical contact between Farmer and Epstein does not constitute illegal sexual activity under New Mexico law.
Annie Farmer’s brave testimony adds weight to the charges against Ghislaine Maxwell. As the trial progresses, the court is confronted with the damning accounts of Epstein’s alleged victims, exposing the extent of the alleged abuse and manipulation within the power dynamic orchestrated by Maxwell and Epstein. The trial remains a pivotal moment for seeking justice and accountability for the victims who have endured immeasurable pain and trauma.
