Epstein's longtime assistant tells Congress she never knew of crimes

Jeffrey Epstein's longtime executive assistant Lesley Groff told the US House Oversight Committee on Tuesday that she was unaware of her employer's sex crimes during her nearly two decades of employment, describing the deceased financier as a "master manipulator" who worked to conceal his abuse. "I worked for Dr. Jekyll but was never permitted to see the true Mr. Hyde," Groff said in her opening statement, according to CNN.

Groff stated she believed the massage appointments she arranged with young women were for legitimate therapists, adding that Epstein separated his legitimate life from his secret activities. She told lawmakers she would not have stayed silent had she known the women were minors or victims of abuse.

Challenges to credibility

Survivors and lawmakers immediately challenged Groff's claims of ignorance. Survivor Sharlene Rochard said Groff's account did not align with her experience, while Representative Stephen Lynch questioned how she could remain unaware for 18 years and noted she arranged calls between Donald Trump and Epstein before his presidency.

Groff, who managed Epstein's schedule from 2001 to 2019, was previously named as a potential co-conspirator in his 2008 non-prosecution agreement, though her attorneys announced in 2021 that she would not face charges. Since Epstein's arrest, she has faced social isolation and death threats.