Bill Clinton Explains Viral Hot Tub Photo Released in Epstein Files During Deposition

Bill Clinton has recently addressed the controversy surrounding a well-publicised photograph linked to the files of Jeffrey Epstein. The image, which depicts the former president in a hot tub alongside a woman whose identity has been obscured, has gained considerable attention following the latest release of Epstein-related documents.

During a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on 27 February 2025, Clinton, aged 79, spoke at length regarding the infamous photograph. He asserted that he was unaware the photo had been taken, expressing his belief that it was captured at a hotel in Brunei during the concluding leg of an Asian tour associated with his AIDS initiative. “I don’t think I ever knew the photo was taken,” he remarked, emphasising that he was “almost sure” of the photo’s location.

Clinton recounted his interactions with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the Prime Minister of Brunei, detailing how the Sultan expressed his desire to support Clinton’s AIDS initiative. Accordingly, Clinton was advised to stay at a specific hotel and was encouraged to utilise the pool facilities. After a brief period in the hot tub, the former president claimed he simply retired to bed due to exhaustion.

In the same deposition, Clinton also mentioned another photo which showed him swimming in a pool with Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. He confirmed that he had spent only a limited amount of time in the pool and the hot tub before retired for the night. He reiterated his lack of acquaintance with the individuals who were photographed with him, while also mentioning that there was a Secret Service agent present during the circumstance. Clinton confidently stated that the woman pictured with him was not younger than 18 years of age and firmly denied any sexual relations with her.

The release of photographs and documents pertaining to Epstein was conducted in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation obligates the Department of Justice to make all information related to the Epstein sex trafficking investigation publicly accessible. Included in this recent batch of materials are images of Clinton posing with numerous high-profile figures like Mick Jagger and Diana Ross, none of whom have faced accusations of any wrongdoing.

Clinton’s team has previously responded to the speculation surrounding the release of these files. A statement from Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, was shared on social media, asserting that the publicity surrounding these documents does not primarily revolve around Clinton. The statement read, “The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton. This is about shielding themselves from what comes next, or from what they’ll try and hide forever.”

Ureña further clarified that the narrative surrounding the photos stems from two distinct groups regarding Epstein—those who had severed ties with him prior to the exposure of his crimes and those who continued their associations afterwards. Ureña argued that Clinton belongs to the former group, indicating a distinction that she believed should be acknowledged.

The Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, had previously stated that the Department of Justice would not be able to release all Epstein-related files in their entirety due to the need for thorough reviews and redactions. On 19 December, he announced the public release of certain materials in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, promising further disclosures as the review process continued.

As the Epstein files continue to be scrutinised, Clinton’s remarks during his deposition offer an insight into his perspective regarding the photo and its implications. With ongoing investigations and public interest in Epstein’s extensive network, it remains to be seen how these developments may influence the dialogue surrounding the former president and his connections to the controversial figure.