Monday's judge ruled that the prosecutors could refer to Ghislaine Maxwell's accusers as "victims" in the British socialite’s forthcoming trial in New York. She is charged with procuring young girls to be sexually exploited by Jeffrey Epstein.
Manhattan Federal Court Judge Alison Nathan, inciting the need to protect Maxwell’s accusers from embarrassment and other reasons, also ruled that the women involved can remain anonymous throughout the trial.
Maxwell's lawyers wanted to stop prosecutors from using the words "victim" or "minor" in order to describe the accusers. They also wanted them identified with their real names during the trial.
Defense lawyers were also denied the right to claim at trial that Maxwell was only charged because of media coverage regarding Epstein's alleged misdeeds and her involvement.
Monday's statement also stated that Maxwell was not offered a plea deal by prosecutors. This would have been one in which Maxwell would accept guilt to some of her criminal acts in exchange for a lesser sentence than what she might receive if convicted.
Prosecutors stated that Maxwell had also not requested a plea bargain.
Maxwell, 59, stated to Nathan that she had not committed any crime. The hearing dealt with a variety of issues before Maxwell's trial which will begin on Nov. 29 with the opening arguments.
