Johanna Sjoberg was one of the women who worked for Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s and provided significant deposition testimony in civil proceedings — testimony that formed part of the evidentiary foundation for understanding how his operation functioned at close range.
Background
Sjoberg was recruited into Epstein’s household operations as a young woman in Florida, introduced through social connections that were characteristic of how Epstein’s network expanded. She worked as a masseuse and assistant and was present at properties including the Manhattan mansion and Little Saint James island.
Deposition Testimony
Sjoberg gave a deposition in the Giuffre v. Maxwell civil case. Her testimony covered:
- The structure of Epstein’s household and how tasks were assigned
- The presence and role of Ghislaine Maxwell in directing activities
- Her own experiences of abuse by Epstein and, she alleged, by associates
- Specific individuals who were present at events she witnessed
The Prince Andrew Allegation
Among the most significant elements of Sjoberg’s deposition was her account of an incident involving Prince Andrew at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion. She described a specific social encounter involving Epstein, Andrew, and a puppet or toy — an account that placed Andrew at the property and in Epstein’s social environment in circumstances consistent with the timeline of Giuffre’s allegations.
The Named Associates
Sjoberg’s deposition named several individuals. Some of these names became the basis for legal proceedings. Others were mentioned in the context of social gatherings rather than criminal conduct allegations.
Release of Deposition
Portions of Sjoberg’s deposition were among the materials unsealed as part of the 2024 document release connected to the Giuffre v. Maxwell case. The release brought renewed public attention to the accounts of women like Sjoberg who had given testimony years earlier in sealed proceedings.
Impact
Sjoberg’s account is significant because it provides granular detail about the day-to-day operation of Epstein’s household from the perspective of someone who was simultaneously a victim and a participant in the functioning of the enterprise.