Ghislaine Maxwell set young girls up to be abused by "predator" Jeffrey Epstein, prosecutors have claimed, as the trial of the British socialite began.
Prosecution lawyers described the 59-year-old as the late financier's "lady of the house", who maintained "a culture of silence" over a years-long arrangement to sexually exploit girls under 18 years old.
The defence, however, urged jurors not to "scapegoat" Maxwell for Epstein's crimes.
She has pleaded not guilty to six counts of enticing and transporting minors for sex, similar charges to those which Epstein faced before he killed himself in jail.
Federal lawyer Lara Pomerantz told the jury that Maxwell "made those girls feel seen".
Ghislaine Maxwell faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted on all charges Source: Press Association
She added: "They made them feel special. But that was a cover."
In fact, she "served them up to be sexually abused," the prosecutor said.
Four women who allegedly suffered at the hands of the duo are key witnesses in the trial, which is taking place under intense media attention.
The daughter of the late newspaper baron Robert Maxwell fidgeted during the final steps of jury selection, frequently passing notes with her legal team, before staring as the government delivered its opening arguments.
Her legal team is aiming to cast accusers' stories as "thin", and their memories as "unreliable".
In opening statements, lawyer Bobbi Sternheim argued recollections have faded or been "corrupted" by forces including media attention and the prospect of "a big jackpot of money" in potential civil suits against Epstein's estate.
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said the defendant is a 'target' for Jeffrey Epstein's crimes Source: FR142054 AP
Ms Sternheim meanwhile cast Maxwell as a "target" being blamed for Epstein's crimes.
The lawyer dubbed Maxwell a "bullseye" for "anger from women who were or who believe they were victimised by Epstein", whose death left "a gaping hole in the pursuit of justice", she said.
Maxwell is "filling that hole", she added said.
But Ms Pomerantz said in the period covered by the charges, 1994 to 2004, Maxwell was Epstein's "right-hand" partner, winning the trust of girls as young as 14 and then conditioning them to give nude massages and then sex to the late magnate.
Maxwell "knew exactly what Epstein was going to do to those children when she sent them in those massage rooms" in Epstein's luxurious homes in New Mexico, Manhattan, Paris and Palm Beach, Florida, the prosecutor said.
Prosecutors claimed Maxwell facilitated and took part in the abuse of the four unidentified women, befriending them with shopping and cinema trips before coaxing them to engage in sex acts with Epstein, later giving them money.
The trial of Maxwell has captured a lot of media interest Source: ABACA
Following opening statements the prosecution called its first witness, Lawrence Visoski, who worked as a pilot for Epstein from 1991 to 2019.
During initial questioning, which is set to continue on Tuesday, Mr Visoski described Maxwell's general relationship to Epstein, which he called "couple-ish" as he depicted their jet-set lifestyle and the businessman's luxury properties.
The trial is expected to last more than six weeks, and Maxwell faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
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