Exclusive: Epstein survivors say his former assistant Lesley Groff lied to Congress about key details

Exclusive: Epstein Survivors Dispute Groff’s Testimony

Exclusive – Lesley Groff, who served as Jeffrey Epstein’s personal assistant for eighteen years, recently addressed members of Congress with assertions that she remained largely unaware of the young women involved in Epstein’s activities. However, several survivors are now pushing back against her account in what has become an Exclusive revelation. According to interviews conducted by CNN, these victims assert that Groff provided inaccurate information regarding her personal interactions with them. During a lengthy session on June 9 before the House Oversight Committee, Groff stated she had no prior knowledge of the victims’ ages or identities. She also maintained that she never encountered the girls and young women who performed massages for Epstein. Yet, multiple survivors—including four who agreed to speak publicly and two who wished to remain anonymous—disputed these assertions. They recounted personal meetings with Groff, conversations about their ages, and instances where they received payments directly from her.

Direct Contradictions from Victims

Marina Lacerda, who began her association with Epstein in 2002 at age 14, emphasized that Groff was a familiar face throughout her ordeal. “To my knowledge I never met any of these masseuses,” Groff had told lawmakers. All six survivors CNN spoke with confirmed they met Groff in person. Lacerda declared, “She’s lying,” adding that Groff had met at least three or four of her friends personally. Similarly, Sharlene Rochard, a former New York City model, recalled encountering Groff on numerous occasions across various settings. Lara Blume McGee, abused between 2001 and 2003, remembered seeing Groff at least twice at the Manhattan residence, while Lisa Phillips, who met Epstein in her early twenties, confirmed their face-to-face encounters.

“Lesley Groff knew what was happening in Epstein’s inner circle, which is why Chairman Garcia believes she should have been required to testify under oath,” said Guerrero.

One woman, whose identity was kept private, also shared her experience. The survivors noted that these interactions often occurred more than two decades ago, during a time before smartphones became ubiquitous, which makes physical corroboration difficult for some of their claims. Despite this, their consistent accounts challenge Groff’s narrative that she was isolated from the inner workings of Epstein’s world. This Exclusive coverage highlights how these women feel their voices have been overlooked in previous discussions about the case.

Committee Review and Legal Implications

The House Oversight Committee is currently examining Groff’s statements alongside other evidence. A spokesperson noted they are open to receiving further input from anyone with relevant information. Sara Guerrero, communications director for Representative Robert Garcia, criticized Groff’s performance. She argued that Groff should have been required to testify under oath given her proximity to the scandal. “Lesley Groff knew what was happening in Epstein’s inner circle, which is why Chairman Garcia believes she should have been required to testify under oath,” Guerrero stated. The committee continues to gather testimony as part of their broader investigation into Epstein’s operations and those who facilitated his activities.

Legal experts suggest that if Groff’s statements are found to be materially false, she could face additional scrutiny. The survivors’ testimonies provide crucial context for understanding the scope of Epstein’s network and the roles played by those around him. This Exclusive reporting underscores the importance of survivor voices in shaping public understanding of the case. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge that could further challenge or support Groff’s claims about her involvement and awareness during those critical years.