The US House Oversight Committee has released more than nine hours of video footage from closed-door depositions of former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton regarding their past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The recordings show both Clintons denying prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and facing pointed questions from Republican lawmakers.
One of the most heated exchanges occurred during Hillary Clinton’s testimony when she was informed that a photo taken inside the deposition room had been leaked. She reacted angrily, saying she was “done” if lawmakers were violating agreed rules and suggested they could hold her in contempt if they wished.
Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert acknowledged sharing a photo from inside the room but said it was posted before the hearing began. Clinton’s legal team objected strongly, arguing the leak was unacceptable and unprofessional. They noted that Clinton had requested an open hearing that would have allowed public access, but the committee rejected the proposal. Proceedings were briefly paused before resuming.
During questioning, Boebert raised “Pizzagate,” a widely debunked conspiracy theory alleging a child abuse ring linked to Clinton associates. Clinton dismissed the claim as “totally made up” and said she could not believe it was being referenced. Her lawyers objected to further questions on the subject.
Another Republican lawmaker, Eric Burlison, asked Hillary Clinton about the potential release of government files related to UFOs. She responded that she supported disclosure of any information that could be made public.
In his separate deposition, Bill Clinton was asked whether President Donald Trump should be compelled to testify. Clinton replied that it was up to lawmakers but said Trump “did know” Epstein well.
Clinton recounted a conversation with Trump in the early 2000s at a fundraiser held at one of Trump’s golf courses. According to Clinton, Trump said he and Epstein had once been friends but fell out over a real estate deal. Clinton said Trump did not suggest any improper conduct during that conversation.
In opening remarks, Bill Clinton said he was only a “brief acquaintance” of Epstein and that their association ended years before the financier’s crimes became public. He stated he did not witness any wrongdoing and expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims.
Lawmakers also questioned Clinton about a photo released by the US Justice Department showing him in a hot tub with an unidentified person whose face was redacted. Clinton said he did not recall the photo being taken and believed it was shot in Brunei at the end of an official trip. He said he briefly used the hotel pool at the suggestion of the Sultan of Brunei and denied any sexual activity or knowledge of the other person in the image.
Throughout the depositions, both Clintons maintained they had no awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time of their interactions with him.
With inputs from BBC