Johanna Sjoberg

Background

Johanna Sjoberg was recruited into Epstein’s orbit while a college student. She was paid to give massages at Epstein’s properties and, like many victims, was gradually subjected to sexual abuse. She later described being trained by Ghislaine Maxwell as to what Epstein expected.

Role in Civil Litigation

Sjoberg gave a deposition in civil litigation related to the Epstein case. The deposition, portions of which were unsealed as part of the wave of 2024 document releases, contains significant testimony.

Prince Andrew Testimony

In her deposition, Sjoberg described an incident involving Prince Andrew: she stated that Epstein directed her to sit on Prince Andrew’s lap, and that Andrew touched her breast. The account is consistent with other evidence placing Andrew at Epstein’s New York properties.

Prince Andrew has categorically denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct. His 2019 BBC Newsnight interview — in which he denied the allegations and made several statements widely regarded as implausible — became one of the most scrutinized royal media appearances in recent years.

2024 Document Release

Sjoberg’s deposition materials were among those unsealed as part of the broader wave of document releases in January and February 2024 stemming from the Giuffre v. Maxwell civil case. The release brought renewed international attention to the claims against Prince Andrew and other named individuals.

Significance

Sjoberg’s testimony contributes to the broader evidentiary record establishing the systematic nature of Epstein’s operation and the involvement of Ghislaine Maxwell as a direct participant rather than merely a peripheral figure.