Hillary Clinton Denies Epstein Links, Condemns Conspiracy Theory Queries
Hillary Clinton has vehemently denied any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities and launched a scathing attack on US politicians for their line of questioning during a recent deposition. The former US secretary of state was compelled to appear before the US House Oversight Committee in New York, where she faced repeated inquiries about the disgraced financier.
After the session, Clinton told reporters, "I thought it was very repetitive... they asked literally the same questions over and over again, which didn't seem to me to be very productive." She firmly stated, "I did not know Jeffrey Epstein. I never went to his island. I never went to his homes. I never went to his offices."
Bizarre Questions on UFOs and Pizzagate
Clinton further criticized the committee for delving into what she described as "off subject" and unusual topics. She revealed, "It then got, at the end, quite unusual, because I started being asked about UFOs and a series of questions about Pizzagate, one of the most vile, bogus conspiracy theories that was propagated on the internet." Pizzagate, a long-debunked theory, falsely alleged that high-profile Democrats operated a paedophile ring from a Washington pizza restaurant during Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
Deposition Suspended Over Social Media Photo Leak
At one point, Clinton's testimony was temporarily suspended after a photograph of her at the committee was published on social media, violating deposition rules. The image was posted on X by right-wing commentator Benny Johnson, who claimed it was provided by Republican representative Lauren Boebert.
Sky News's US correspondent James Matthews reported that Clinton made a "blistering attack" on the oversight committee, accusing it of "partisan political theatre" and "alleging a cover-up to protect Donald Trump." In an opening statement shared on social media, Clinton asserted that the committee, if committed to transparency, would release all files to investigate reports that the Department of Justice withheld FBI interviews where a survivor accused President Trump of heinous crimes.
Political Backlash and Democratic Support
Clinton claimed she was being compelled to testify "to distract attention from President Trump's actions." Democrats have alleged that material from the Epstein files was withheld, including records of a woman who accused Trump of sexually abusing her as a child. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have backed Clinton and criticized the photo leak. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari described the deposition as an "incredibly unserious clown show," while fellow Democrat Robert Garcia called for Trump to testify, demanding to know where the missing FBI files are located.
Broader Implications and Future Testimonies
Clinton labeled Epstein a "heinous individual" but noted he is "far from alone," calling such crimes a "global scourge with an unimaginable human toll." Hillary and Bill Clinton agreed to appear before the committee after their offers of sworn statements were rejected. Bill Clinton's upcoming testimony marks the first time a former president has been forced to testify before Congress.
A close friend of the Clintons, Sidney Blumenthal, told Sky News that Republicans have "created a trap" for Donald Trump by summoning Bill Clinton. He suggested Democrats might respond by forcing Trump to testify if they regain control of Congress, potentially calling cabinet members and even Melania Trump over her past relationship with Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
