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Leaked photo sends Hillary Clinton Epstein deposition into chaos as proceedings were paused
Hillary Clinton’s testimony before Congress took an unexpected twist this week after a leaked photo brought proceedings to a sudden halt.
The former First Lady appeared behind closed doors on Thursday, February 26, as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, per the Guardian.
While she was answering questions during the lengthy deposition, an image from inside the session surfaced online, prompting immediate controversy and a temporary pause in the hearing.
Clinton, who previously served as US secretary of state and ran for president, was legally summoned to testify. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is scheduled to appear before the same committee on Friday, February 27.
Hillary Clinton denies knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein
During her opening statement, Clinton firmly distanced herself from Epstein and his crimes.
She stated: "I do not recall ever encountering Mr Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices. I have nothing to add to that."
Clinton maintained she had "no idea" about Epstein’s criminal activities, reiterating her position under oath during the closed-door session with the Republican Oversight Committee.
Leaked image shared online during closed-door deposition
As Clinton continued answering questions, MAGA influencer Benny Johnson posted what he described as the first image of her testimony. The photo showed the 78-year-old appearing focused as she addressed the committee.
Johnson claimed the image was provided by GOP Representative Lauren Boebert and wrote: "The first image of Hillary Clinton testifying under oath about Jeffery Epstein to the Republican Oversight Committee.
"This is the first time Hillary has had to answer real questions about Epstein. Clinton does not look happy."
Although Boebert did not directly confirm she was the source of the image, she publicly defended Johnson after criticism emerged. She posted: "Benny did nothing wrong," she said. "Proceeding with deposition."
Hearing paused over potential House rule violation
Once it became clear the photograph had been circulated online, the deposition was paused.
Nick Merrill, an adviser to Clinton, explained that the committee went off record "while they figure out where the photo came from and why possibly members of Congress are violating House rules", as per the Independent.
Clinton’s legal team called for the proceedings to be stopped after the image surfaced, arguing that taking and sharing photos during closed-door congressional testimony violates established rules.
A spokesperson for the former First Lady also addressed the issue, telling the Daily Mail: "It's against chamber rules that were read at the top of the meeting. So the hearing has been paused briefly while they figure out where the photo came from and why, possibly, members of Congress are violating House rules."
Clinton calls for Donald Trump to testify under oath
In addition to addressing questions about Epstein, Clinton used her opening statement to call for President Donald Trump to appear before the committee under oath.
She said: "If this Committee is serious about learning the truth about Epstein's trafficking crimes, it would not rely on press gaggles to get answers from our current president on his involvement; it would ask him directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files."
Both Hillary and Bill Clinton were legally summoned to testify as part of the committee’s investigation into Epstein.