Jen Shah Reveals Interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell

Jen Shah, former star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has shared her experiences serving time alongside convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell at a federal prison in Bryan, Texas. In an interview published on April 1st by People magazine, Shah described Maxwell as showing “no remorse” for the victims of her late boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein.

Limited Contact and Observed Disregard

Shah stated she intentionally maintained distance from Maxwell during their incarceration. “I had limited interactions with her,” Shah told People. “I chose that. I chose to keep my distance.” She explained that Maxwell openly displayed a lack of empathy, particularly when victims were sharing their stories publicly.

Maxwell's Reaction to Victim Testimonies

“It was a lot when the victims would be on TV and talking, she just complete disregard for them,” Shah recounted. “This was when they were pouring their hearts out in front of Congress for the to be released.” Shah emphasized the disturbing nature of witnessing such dismissiveness towards those who had suffered immense trauma.

Allegations of Preferential Treatment

Shah also alleged that Maxwell received significantly different treatment within the prison compared to other inmates, including herself and Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted founder of Theranos. “She was treated very differently there,” Shah said. “I didn’t have a lot of interaction with her … She made it very publicly known, at least to Elizabeth and I, that there’s no remorse there.”

Specific Privileges Cited

Shah detailed specific examples of alleged preferential treatment, including “private workout sessions, special meals, bottled water.” She claimed these privileges were readily apparent to other inmates, as she witnessed them firsthand while working in the prison. Shah also noted Maxwell bypassed standard procedures for scheduling legal calls.

Bureau of Prisons Response

In response to Shah’s allegations, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) stated that its staff is “committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.” The BOP emphasized that all inmates should be treated equitably and that violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Friendship with Elizabeth Holmes and Restitution Efforts

Shah described a friendly relationship with Elizabeth Holmes, noting they bonded over shared experiences as high-profile inmates. “Lizzie and I are good friends,” Shah said. Shah also reiterated her commitment to repaying the $6.6 million in restitution she owes for her conviction in a telemarketing scheme. “I’d like to say that I’m sorry and I’m here and accepting responsibility and have made it my mission…to make sure that people are paid back,” she stated.

Resources for Human Trafficking Victims

If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.