- Lawmakers questioned him about references to his name in recently disclosed Justice Department files
- In a statement made public ahead of his appearance, Clinton said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crime
- His testimony came a day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also appeared before the committee
Former US President Bill Clinton has told a congressional panel that he was unaware of any criminal activity by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and insisted he did nothing improper in relation to him.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Clinton testified for several hours in a closed-door session in New York before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
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Lawmakers questioned him about references to his name in recently disclosed Justice Department files, including a photograph showing him in a hot tub beside a woman whose identity was concealed in the released image.
In a statement made public ahead of his appearance, Clinton said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and would have severed contact immediately had he been aware of any misconduct.
He added that he would not have travelled on Epstein’s plane if he had suspected wrongdoing and claimed he would have reported him to authorities if necessary.
Following the deposition, Clinton released a video reiterating that photographs or mentions in official documents do not prove misconduct. He called for the full release of all remaining investigative files, saying survivors deserve transparency and accountability.
His testimony came a day after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also appeared before the committee, stating she had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal acts.
While both initially resisted subpoenas, describing them as politically motivated, they later agreed to testify amid the possibility of contempt proceedings.
During questioning about the hot tub photograph, Clinton reportedly told lawmakers he did not recognise the woman and denied any sexual relationship with her, according to a source familiar with the session. Unlike his wife, he did not speak to reporters afterward.
Committee chairman James Comer described the deposition as thorough and productive, saying Clinton answered or attempted to answer every question.
He added that a transcript and video recording would be made public soon and described the testimony of the former president and first lady as unprecedented in congressional history.
Democratic members of the panel, including Representative Robert Garcia, said Clinton’s remarks included references to President Donald Trump and renewed calls for Trump to testify.
Comer, however, said Clinton indicated it was up to the committee to decide whether Trump should be summoned and added that Clinton claimed no knowledge linking Trump to Epstein’s crimes.
Trump later commented on the development, telling reporters he did not like seeing Clinton deposed.
Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had wide-ranging connections with prominent figures in politics and business.
Clinton has previously acknowledged associating with Epstein after leaving office in 2001 in connection with philanthropic work but has said he ended contact about two decades ago and regrets ever being linked to him.
The Justice Department’s document releases contain numerous references to high-profile individuals. However, legal experts have stressed that appearing in investigative records does not in itself establish wrongdoing.
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