Key Points
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Bill Clinton released opening statement before House testimony
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Former president denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes
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Deposition follows Hillary Clinton’s testimony a day earlier
CHAPPAQUA, New York. Former President Bill Clinton forcefully denied any wrongdoing ahead of his closed-door testimony Friday in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, saying he had no knowledge of the financier’s criminal conduct during their past association.
In an opening statement posted on social media before the deposition, Clinton said he appeared voluntarily and intended to cooperate fully with lawmakers.
“I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong,” Clinton said, adding that he would answer questions truthfully based on what he knew at the time.
The House Oversight Committee is examining Epstein’s network of high-profile contacts as part of a broader review of how the convicted sex offender maintained relationships with influential figures.
Clinton defends Hillary Clinton
In his statement, Clinton also pushed back against the committee’s decision to question his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a day earlier.
“You made Hillary come in. She had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing,” Clinton said, stressing she had no memory of meeting Epstein and never traveled with him.
Hillary Clinton testified Thursday in a separate closed-door session, where she similarly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Why Bill Clinton is testifying
Committee Chairman James Comer said the panel is trying to understand how Epstein maintained ties with powerful political and business figures even after his 2008 guilty plea in Florida.
“No one’s accusing anyone of any wrongdoing,” Comer told reporters ahead of the session, while adding that the public still has questions about Epstein’s network.
Bill Clinton has acknowledged in past statements that he flew on Epstein’s plane multiple times in the early 2000s for foundation-related travel but has repeatedly said he cut off contact years before Epstein’s criminal conduct became widely known.
Part of broader congressional probe
Lawmakers from both parties have supported questioning witnesses connected to Epstein’s circle, though they have differed sharply over the scope and tone of the investigation.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, said the precedent should apply broadly to other public figures with documented ties to Epstein, including President Donald Trump, who has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged in connection with the case.
The deposition is being conducted behind closed doors in Chappaqua, with committee officials expected to release transcripts and video after legal review.
The investigation into Epstein’s network remains ongoing.
