Hillary Clinton will testify on Thursday before a US House of Representatives panel investigating the crimes of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate recently agreed, along with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to appear before the House Oversight Committee. The couple had earlier resisted the request, calling it politically motivated. Their decision to testify avoids possible contempt-of-Congress proceedings.
Hillary Clinton has stated that she does not recall ever meeting or speaking with Jeffrey Epstein. Bill Clinton admitted he knew Epstein but denied any knowledge of his crimes. He has said he ended all contact with Epstein nearly 20 years ago and regrets the association. He is scheduled to testify on Friday.
In a recent interview in Berlin, Clinton described the deposition as a political distraction. She argued that Republicans are trying to shift attention away from questions about former President Donald Trump and his past association with Epstein.
“We have nothing to hide,” she said. “We have repeatedly called for the full release of these files. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
Clinton also confirmed she met Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, on a few occasions. Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding in New York in 2010.
The couple’s agreement to testify marks a shift from their earlier stance. A possible contempt vote was approaching in the House. Some Democratic members even supported initiating contempt proceedings.
The Clintons previously accused Committee Chairman James Comer of engaging in partisan politics. They said the legal summons aimed to embarrass political rivals. They also stated they had already submitted sworn statements covering the limited information they had about Epstein.
Comer defended the investigation, calling it bipartisan. He said the committee wants to show that no one is above the law.
Recently released files from the US Department of Justice reveal Epstein’s wide network of high-profile connections. The documents include references to several public figures. However, appearing in the files does not suggest wrongdoing.
The depositions will take place in Chappaqua, New York, near the Clintons’ home. These sessions usually happen behind closed doors. However, the Clintons pushed for public testimony to prevent selective leaks.
Lawmakers from both parties are expected to speak to reporters after Hillary Clinton’s deposition, scheduled for 11:00 EST. Bill Clinton’s testimony on Friday will mark the first time a former US president has testified before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did so in 1983.
