Former United States President Bill Clinton has told a congressional panel that he was unaware of any criminal activity by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and denied any improper conduct in relation to him.
Clinton testified for several hours in a closed-door session in New York before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Lawmakers questioned him about references to his name contained in recently disclosed Justice Department files connected to Epstein’s case.
Among the issues raised was a photograph showing Clinton in a hot tub beside a woman whose identity was concealed in the publicly released image.
According to a source familiar with the deposition, Clinton told lawmakers he did not recognise the woman in the photograph and denied having any sexual relationship with her.
In a statement made public ahead of his appearance, Clinton maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
His testimony followed that of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who appeared before the same committee a day earlier.
Both Clintons initially resisted subpoenas issued by the panel, describing them as politically motivated. They later agreed to testify amid the possibility of contempt proceedings.
Unlike his wife, Bill Clinton did not speak to reporters after the session concluded.
Committee Chairman James Comer described the deposition as thorough and productive.
Comer said the former president answered or attempted to answer every question posed by lawmakers.
He added that a full transcript and video recording of the session would be released to the public in due course.
The chairman described the testimonies of the former president and former first lady as unprecedented in congressional history.
The committee’s inquiry forms part of ongoing congressional scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s associates and the circumstances linked to his criminal case.
The release of additional Justice Department files has intensified political attention on individuals mentioned in connection with the late financier.
Clinton’s testimony marks a significant development in the probe as lawmakers continue to examine records and gather statements from high-profile figures.