Hillary Clinton Deposition Paused After Photo Leak in Epstein Probe

Washington — A closed-door deposition of Hillary Clinton was briefly suspended Thursday after a photograph from inside the hearing room was leaked to social media, igniting a partisan clash during the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Clinton was testifying before the House Oversight Committee as part of its ongoing review of Epstein’s network and potential high-profile connections. The session was conducted behind closed doors after Republican leaders declined her request for a public hearing.

The pause came after Representative Lauren Boebert shared a photo taken during the deposition. The image later circulated online, prompting Clinton’s attorneys to object and demand a temporary halt to the proceedings. Lawmakers said the session resumed roughly 30 minutes later.

In a prepared statement, Clinton criticized Republicans for compelling her appearance, saying she had no knowledge that would aid their inquiry.

“I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein,” she said, adding that she had never flown on his plane or visited his properties.

Representative James R. Comer, the Republican chairman of the committee, defended the deposition, saying lawmakers were examining all potential connections tied to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Clinton’s testimony comes amid renewed congressional scrutiny of Epstein’s associates. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to appear before the panel separately.

The brief disruption underscored the political tensions that continue to surround the long-running Epstein investigation.