Former President Bill Clinton addresses the viral hot tub photo from the Epstein files, stating he was unaware it was taken and providing context about the setting in Brunei.
The Viral Photo and Clinton’s Response
During his four-and-a-half-hour deposition by the House Oversight Committee on February 27, 2026, former President Bill Clinton addressed one of the most talked-about images from the latest release of the Epstein files—a photo showing him in a hot tub with an unidentified woman whose face was redacted. Clinton stated, “I don’t think I ever knew the photo was taken,” adding that he was “almost sure” it was taken at a hotel in Brunei during an Asian tour for his AIDS initiative.
Clinton explained that he had met the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, during his presidency and that Bolkiah had offered assistance for his AIDS initiative. The Sultan reportedly recommended a specific hotel for Clinton’s stay and encouraged him to use the pool. “So I did,” Clinton said, adding, “And then I got out and went to bed exhausted.”
Clinton also clarified that he did not know the woman in the photo, who was reportedly not underage, and denied any inappropriate conduct, stating, “I did not have any sexual relations with her.” He mentioned that a Secret Service agent was present in the room at the time.
Context of the Epstein Files Release
The recent release of photos and documents is part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the Department of Justice to make all files related to Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation public and searchable. The release includes numerous photos of Clinton and other high-profile figures, such as Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson, none of whom have been accused of wrongdoing.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had previously stated that the DOJ needed additional time to complete redactions in the extensive documentation. “Additional responsive materials will be produced as our review continues, consistent with the law and with protections for victims,” Blanche wrote in a post on X.
Clinton’s Previous Statement and Public Reaction
A statement from Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, posted on X, addressed the release of the Epstein files, emphasizing that the focus should not be on 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.”
The statement continued, “They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be. Even Susie Wiles said Donald Trump was wrong about Bill Clinton.”
Why This Matters
Clinton’s deposition and the release of the Epstein files have reignited public interest in the connections between high-profile individuals and Jeffrey Epstein. The ongoing release of documents provides a deeper look into the social and professional networks surrounding Epstein, with significant implications for public perception and ongoing investigations.
For fans following this story, Clinton’s statement offers a rare glimpse into the former president’s perspective on the matter. The Epstein files continue to be a focal point for discussions about accountability, transparency, and the intersections of power and justice.
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