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Clinton reacts to leaked deposition image
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton nearly abandoned her closed-door testimony to lawmakers last week after a photograph taken inside the deposition room was leaked to the public, newly released video footage reveals.
Clinton, visibly angered, declared, "I'm done with this. If you guys are doing that, I am done," upon learning of the leak. She added, "You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home."
Testimony details and Republican lawmaker involvement
The House Oversight Committee released over nine hours of video on Monday, showing separate depositions from Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Both denied any prior knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert admitted to sharing a photo from the deposition room before the hearing began, though she claimed it was taken prior to the proceedings. The image was later circulated on social media by a conservative influencer.
Clinton responded by slamming her fist on the table, stating, "It doesn't matter. We are all abiding by the same rules." Her legal team had previously requested an open hearing, which the committee denied.
"We find it unacceptable. We find it unprofessional and we find it unfair. We are looking forward to this being conducted under the rules and being conducted consistent with expectations."
Clinton's lawyer
Conspiracy theories and UFO questions surface
During the deposition, Boebert referenced the debunked "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory, asking Clinton if she had reviewed any Epstein files related to it. Clinton dismissed the question, calling the theory "totally made up" and "an outrageous allegation that ended up hurting a number of people."
Republican Congressman Eric Burlison later shifted to lighter topics, asking Clinton about the potential release of UFO files under a directive from former President Donald Trump. Clinton responded that she supports transparency, stating, "I think whatever can be disclosed should be disclosed."
Bill Clinton's testimony on Epstein and Trump
Bill Clinton testified that he had only a "brief acquaintance" with Epstein and that their relationship ended years before Epstein's crimes came to light. He expressed concern for Epstein's victims and denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
When asked about Donald Trump's relationship with Epstein, Clinton recounted a conversation from 2002 or 2003, where Trump described their falling out over a real estate deal. Clinton noted that Trump never indicated any improper behavior but acknowledged that Trump knew Clinton had flown on Epstein's plane.
"We've had some great times over the years. But we fell out. All because of a real estate deal."
Bill Clinton quoting Donald Trump
Hot tub photo and Maxwell connections
Bill Clinton was questioned about a photo released by the Justice Department showing him in a hot tub with an unidentified individual. Clinton stated he had no memory of the photo being taken and believed it was taken in Brunei during an Asia trip.
He described the setting as a hotel offered by the Sultan of Brunei, where he briefly used the pool before retiring for the night. When pressed about the redacted individual in the photo, Clinton insisted he did not know who it was and denied any inappropriate activity.
Clinton also addressed his relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-conspirator, calling her arrest "terrible" and stating she "should be punished." However, he declined to comment on whether Trump should pardon Maxwell.
Emails released by the Justice Department show a friendly exchange between Maxwell and Clinton's top aide, Doug Band, with Band at one point referring to Maxwell as his "lover."
Clinton's stance on Epstein's victims
In his opening remarks, Bill Clinton emphasized his hope that his testimony would help prevent similar crimes in the future. He reiterated that his connection to Epstein was limited to charity work and expressed sympathy for Epstein's victims.
