Clinton denies Epstein knowledge: 'I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong'

Former President Bill Clinton testified Friday that he had no knowledge of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, telling the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door deposition that "I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong." Clinton released his prepared opening statement on X, pushing back against scrutiny of his past associations with Epstein.

Clinton's Defense

"I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing. No matter how many photos you show me, I have two things that at the end of the day matter more than your interpretation of those 20-year-old photos," Clinton stated. "I know what I saw, and more importantly, what I didn't see. I know what I did, and more importantly, what I didn't do." The former president said that having been raised in a home affected by domestic abuse, he would never have traveled on Epstein's plane had he suspected any wrongdoing—and would have demanded full accountability rather than "sweetheart deals."

Context of Testimony

Clinton's deposition follows a decision by him and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to comply with the committee's request rather than face contempt proceedings for a previously issued subpoena. Hillary Clinton testified in a similar closed-door session Thursday. Bill Clinton insisted his brief acquaintance with Epstein ended years before his crimes came to light, adding that he was testifying "to offer what little I know so that it might prevent anything like this from ever happening again."

Trump Comments

President Donald Trump commented on the proceedings, saying "I don't like seeing him deposed," while noting "they certainly went after me more than that." Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat, called on Trump to appear before the committee, noting the president appears in Epstein files "almost more than anybody else" alongside Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, even as past social and business ties fuel demands for broader release of official records.

Ongoing Investigation

The Epstein case remains politically charged, with lawmakers and victims' advocates across the spectrum demanding greater transparency about his network of associates and any individuals who may have facilitated his crimes. Clinton's testimony adds to the extensive record of depositions as investigators continue examining Epstein's far-reaching connections to political, business, and academic figures in the US and abroad.

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