In a recent interview with the BBC, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asserted that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have "no links" to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. However, she simultaneously acknowledged that Bill Clinton "took some rides on his airplane" for charitable purposes.
Contradictions in Epstein Files
Clinton's statement was directly contradicted by the release of a tranche of Epstein files in December. These documents included images showing Bill Clinton frolicking in a swimming pool with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted associate, and smiling alongside Epstein himself. The former president appeared multiple times in the files, though no evidence has emerged implicating either Clinton in criminal activity.
Clinton's Defence and Accusations
Hillary Clinton maintained her position, stating she does not "ever recall ever meeting" Epstein and had only met Maxwell "on a few occasions." She argued that the focus should remain on Epstein and Maxwell's "horrific crimes against girls and women," rather than tangential associations. She also accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a "cover-up" and "slow-walking" the release of files, calling for full transparency.
Call for Prince Andrew to Testify
Clinton further called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced brother of King Charles III, to testify before the US Congress regarding his links to Epstein. She emphasized that "everybody should testify who was asked to testify" and advocated for fair treatment across the board. Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last year amid the scandal.
Political Context and Depositions
The Clintons have been ordered to give closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein's connections to powerful figures. Hillary Clinton expressed willingness to cooperate but suggested public hearings would be preferable, stating they "have nothing to hide." She claimed Republicans are using the probe to deflect attention from former President Donald Trump, whose name also appears frequently in the Epstein files.
Background on Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein died in custody in 2019 from what was ruled a suicide, while facing charges related to sex trafficking. The Justice Department released over three million documents, photos, and videos in its latest cache, detailing the investigation into his crimes. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation work but denied visiting Epstein's private island. Hillary Clinton has similarly denied any meaningful interactions with Epstein.
Hillary Clinton is scheduled for her deposition on February 26, followed by Bill Clinton on February 27. The ongoing probe continues to stir political tensions, with Clinton alleging efforts to distract from other figures involved.
