Epstein survivor Lara Blume McGee and lawyer Spencer Kuvin have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to urge US President Donald Trump not to pardon convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. McGee, who says she was groomed by Maxwell at age 20, and Kuvin, who has represented nine Epstein victims, expressed concern over a possible presidential pardon for the British citizen, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking.
Survivor and Lawyer Speak Out
McGee told Metro that a pardon for Maxwell would be 'a travesty of justice' and 'a devastating message to survivors everywhere.' She said, 'We cannot allow this. We will not allow this.' Kuvin echoed these fears, stating that survivors are 'extremely concerned' by talk of a pardon, especially after Maxwell's lawyers indicated she would cooperate with investigations only if granted clemency.
Kuvin said, 'Victims should never be placed in the position of wondering whether the person convicted of helping facilitate their abuse might be freed because she has information that powerful people want. That would send a terrible message to trafficking survivors everywhere.'
Calls for Direct Communication
McGee appealed directly to Burnham, saying, 'Prime Minister Burnham, stand with us. Use your influence to ensure that the UK is a beacon of justice, not a sanctuary for those who exploit and abuse. Make it clear to President Trump and the world that pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell would be a grave injustice that Britain will not tolerate.'
Kuvin argued that 'Britain absolutely has a voice' in the matter. He encouraged Burnham to 'communicate directly to President Trump that clemency for Maxwell would have consequences far beyond American politics.' He added, 'The Prime Minister could say publicly and privately that Britain believes Maxwell should serve the sentence imposed upon her.'
Background and Political Context
Trump has not ruled out granting clemency to Maxwell, who was sentenced in 2022. Many survivors are outraged at Trump's new US attorney general, Todd Blanche, who was responsible for moving Maxwell to a minimum-security prison shortly after meeting her last year. McGee was one of those who railed against Blanche's confirmation last week.
Maxwell's victims were also groomed and abused at her residence in London, according to the US Department for Justice. Burnham has agreed to meet Epstein's victims but is not considering holding a public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, Downing Street confirmed this month.
Kuvin, who has represented Epstein victims since 2006, called on the PM to support an independent statutory inquiry into Epstein and to 'say publicly if credible evidence exists that anyone' participated in the financier's crimes.
The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution last month declaring opposition to any presidential pardon for Maxwell, who has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat of Nevada, said at the time, 'It's frankly horrifying that Trump would entertain the idea of clemency for even a second for a convicted sex trafficker.'
A Government spokesperson said, 'Our thoughts are firmly with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who have suffered devastating trauma, and it is right that Ghislaine Maxwell has been handed out a 20-year prison sentence for her role. The Prime Minister is committed to meeting with victims. We are looking at all options to support them.'
