Topline
A juror who helped convict disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell of sex trafficking last year told a judge Tuesday his failure to disclose his own sexual abuse in a pre-trial questionnaire was an “inadvertent mistake,” as Maxwell’s legal team seeks a mistrial over the omission.
Key Facts
Scotty David, a 35-year old juror from Manhattan, told U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan that his failure to disclose he was sexually abused as a child in pre-trial jury questionnaire was an "inadvertent mistake" made as he “flew through” the forms because he did not think he would be chosen to sit on the jury, according to the Guardian.
David said he did not lie to get on the jury and apologized to the court for “wasting a lot of people’s time and money,” according to the Guardian.
His abuse did not affect how he approached the trial as a juror, David told Nathan according to CNN.
Nathan will decide whether to declare a mistrial and grant Maxwell a new trial after her legal team and prosecutors submit court files next week.
Key Background
Shortly after Maxwell was convicted, David gave multiple media interviews saying he was the victim of childhood sexual abuse. He told outlets he discussed his experience with fellow jurors, particularly his difficulty remembering specific details of the abuse, just like two of the women who testified against Maxwell. David, it was reported, believed his input may have helped the jury believe their testimonies were credible even if they couldn’t couldn’t recall or misremembered aspects of the abuse. According to court documents, all potential jury members were asked if they or family members had been abused, harassed or assaulted. Those who said yes were asked if it would affect their judgment as an objective juror. Maxwell’s legal team asked for a new trial shortly after prosecutors requested an inquiry. Maxwell pleaded not guilty and faces up to 65 years in prison if her conviction stands.
Further Reading
Maxwell juror says he was distracted during jury selection but ‘I did not lie’ (The Guardian)
Ghislaine Maxwell Formally Seeks Retrial After Juror Revealed Personal Experiences Of Sexual Abuse (Forbes)
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Prosecutors Request Inquiry After Juror Reveals He Was Sexually Abused (Forbes)
Ghislaine Maxwell Found Guilty Of Sex Trafficking Young Girls For Jeffrey Epstein (Forbes)
