Clinton Testifies About Epstein Crimes: "I Don't Recall Meeting Him"

SadaNews - Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday - Friday that she was not aware of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, at the beginning of a two-day hearing that also includes former President Bill Clinton.

According to the Associated Press, Hillary Clinton stated in an opening statement she shared on social media, "I was not aware of their criminal activities. I do not recall ever meeting Mr. Epstein."

Clinton called on the House committee investigating the Epstein case to subpoena President Donald Trump to testify about his relationship with the convicted financier. She accused the Republican-controlled oversight committee of calling her to testify in order to "divert attention" from the U.S. president.

The closed-door hearings in Chappaqua, the Clintons' hometown, which is a quiet town north of New York City, come after months of tension, particularly between the influential former Democratic couple and the Republican-controlled House oversight committee. This would be the first time a former president is compelled to testify before Congress.

Earlier this month, Hillary Clinton said in an interview with the BBC: "We have a very clear record that we were ready to discuss." She added that her husband traveled with Epstein on charitable trips and that she does not recall meeting Epstein, though she interacted with Maxwell, his former girlfriend and close associate, at conferences hosted by the Clinton Foundation, in addition to the fact that Maxwell, a British socialite, attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding in 2010.

Hillary added: "We are happy to share what we know, which is extremely limited and unrelated to their behavior or crimes, and we want to do that publicly."

Nevertheless, Bill Clinton has emerged as a primary target for Republicans amid the political struggle over who will face the most scrutiny regarding their ties to Epstein. The first release of Epstein documents published by the Department of Justice in January included several photos of the former president, including pictures of him with women whose faces were obscured, but Clinton has not been accused of any misconduct in relation to Epstein.

This comes after efforts by Democrats this week to confront Trump regarding his administration's handling of Epstein's files, by inviting women survivors of Epstein's assaults as guests at Trump's State of the Union address.

Even senior Democrats, like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from California, have said it is appropriate for the committee to interrogate anyone, including the former president, who has links to Epstein.

Pelosi stated: "We want to hear from everyone," adding that she does not understand why Hillary Clinton is being interrogated, and that it is important to "believe the survivors."