Bill Clinton Addresses Viral Hot Tub Photo from Epstein Files

The former president says he didn't know the photo was taken during a trip to Brunei.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Bill Clinton has spoken out for the first time about a viral photo from the latest batch of Epstein files that showed him lounging in a hot tub with an unidentified woman. During a deposition with the House Oversight Committee, Clinton said he didn't think he ever knew the photo was taken and that it was likely captured during a trip to Brunei for his AIDS initiative, where the country's leader had arranged for him to stay at a specific hotel and use the pool.

Why it matters

The release of the Epstein files has sparked renewed scrutiny of Clinton's ties to the disgraced financier, who was convicted of sex trafficking. This photo is one of several images that have emerged from the files, raising questions about Clinton's relationship with Epstein and the nature of his activities during trips associated with the Epstein investigation.

The details

During the deposition, Clinton stated that he met and got to know the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, during his time as president. When Clinton was visiting the country for his AIDS initiative, Bolkiah wanted him to stay at a specific hotel and use the pool, which is where Clinton believes the hot tub photo was taken. Clinton said he swam in the pool and hot tub for a short time before going to bed, and that he did not know who was photographed with him in the water, though he remembered a Secret Service agent was also in the room. Clinton also stated that the woman in the photo was not younger than 18 and that he did not have any sexual relations with her.

  • On February 27, 2026, Clinton testified in a deposition by the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York.
  • The latest batch of Epstein files was recently released in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The players

Bill Clinton

The 79-year-old former president of the United States who is answering questions about a viral photo from the Epstein files.

Hassanal Bolkiah

The Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei who arranged for Clinton to stay at a specific hotel and use the pool during his visit for his AIDS initiative.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I ever knew the photo was taken.”

— Bill Clinton

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee will likely continue to investigate Clinton's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the nature of his activities during trips associated with the Epstein investigation.

The takeaway

The release of this viral photo from the Epstein files has reignited scrutiny of Bill Clinton's relationship with the disgraced financier, raising questions about the former president's activities and associations that warrant further investigation and transparency.