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Bill Clinton directly addresses hot tub photo with unidentified female in Epstein files
Former President Bill Clinton has broken his silence over the controversial “hot tub photo” that surfaced in the Epstein files, addressing the image directly during a high-stakes deposition on Friday, February 27.
The 42nd President of the United States testified behind closed doors in New York before the House of Representatives’ oversight committee, per BBC News.
His appearance came just one day after his wife, Hillary Clinton, gave her own deposition on Thursday, February 26.
The proceedings, which lasted six hours and were held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, focused heavily on Clinton’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein and a series of photographs that have since drawn intense scrutiny.
Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing over hot tub photo
During questioning, Clinton was asked specifically about the now-infamous hot tub image published in the Epstein files. Lawmakers pressed him about the identity of the woman pictured alongside him and the nature of their relationship.
Clinton firmly denied having sexual relations with the woman and said he did not know who she was.
Addressing the broader allegations and speculation surrounding the images, Clinton told the committee: “I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong. Even with 20/20 hindsight, I saw nothing that gave me pause.”
The former president maintained that he had no knowledge of any misconduct at the time and rejected suggestions that he had overlooked warning signs.
Additional Epstein file photos raise questions
The hot tub photo was not the only image raised during the deposition. Other pictures included Clinton swimming in a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and an unidentified woman.
In another separate image, Clinton is seen with his arm around a woman’s waist while she sat perched on his seat. It remains unclear where that particular photograph was taken.
Clinton faced sustained questioning about the circumstances surrounding the photos and his past relationship with Epstein.
According to his testimony, Epstein’s ability to conceal his criminal activity played a significant role in how he avoided accountability for so long.
“We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long. And by the time it came to light with his 2008 guilty plea, I had long stopped associating with him,” Clinton said.
He also cautioned lawmakers that his responses might not provide the level of detail some were seeking, citing the passage of time and his obligation not to speculate.
"This was all a long time ago. And I am bound by my oath not to speculate, or to guess. This is not merely for my benefit, but because it doesn’t help you for me to play detective 24 years later."
Hillary Clinton’s deposition and defense
Hillary Clinton had already appeared before the same committee the day before her husband’s testimony. Earlier this month, she told reporters that the hot tub photo was taken during a charitable trip.
Bill Clinton addressed her involvement directly during his own deposition, expressing frustration that she had been called to testify.
“But before we start, I have to get personal. You made Hillary come in. She had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing. Whether you subpoenaed 10 people or 10,000, including her was simply not right.”
He insisted that his wife had no connection to Epstein and objected to her being included in the proceedings.