Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing in Jeffrey Epstein relationship

Former president testifies before Congress, says he 'saw nothing, and did nothing wrong'

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Bill Clinton told members of Congress that he 'did nothing wrong' in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saw no signs of Epstein's sexual abuse, as he faced hours of questioning from lawmakers over his connections to the disgraced financier from more than two decades ago.

Why it matters

The deposition marked the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress, raising questions about accountability for powerful individuals who maintained relationships with Epstein after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

The details

Bill Clinton said he had long stopped associating with Epstein by the time of his 2008 guilty plea, and expressed certainty that he had not witnessed signs of Epstein's abuse. Republican lawmakers accused Clinton of having 'selective memory,' but others acknowledged he handled the deposition with skill and candor.

  • Bill Clinton testified on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The deposition came a day after Clinton's wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, sat with lawmakers for her own deposition.

The players

Bill Clinton

The former Democratic president who faced hours of questioning from lawmakers over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

Hillary Clinton

The former Secretary of State and wife of Bill Clinton, who also sat with lawmakers for a deposition related to Epstein.

James Comer

The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the Clintons' connections to Epstein.

Howard Lutnick

The Trump administration's Commerce Secretary who had a relationship with Epstein, and is facing calls to resign and testify before the committee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong.”

— Bill Clinton, Former President

“We have questions about anyone who spent time with Epstein post-conviction. Once you knew Jeffrey Epstein was a sex offender, why did you continue a relationship?”

— James Comer, Republican Chair, House Oversight Committee

“Clinton was quite candid, perhaps more candid than his attorneys were comfortable.”

— Nick Langworthy, Republican Representative

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee plans to review the depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton, and shift its attention to other individuals connected to Epstein.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and accountability facing powerful individuals who maintained relationships with Jeffrey Epstein, even after his 2008 guilty plea, raising broader questions about how the wealthy and influential can evade consequences for their actions.