Leaked photo, hot tub, and Pizzagate - video of Clintons' testimony on Epstein ties released
Hillary Clinton nearly stormed out of her closed-door testimony to US lawmakers about Jeffrey Epstein after a photo of her from the deposition was leaked, newly released video footage shows.
"I'm done with this. If you guys are doing that, I am done," the former US Secretary of State said when told about the leak. "You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home."
The video footage, released on Monday by the House Oversight Committee, shows hours of testimony given by both Clinton and her husband, former US President Bill Clinton, sitting for separate depositions last week, and denying any prior knowledge of late sex offender Epstein's crimes.
Here are some of the key takeaways from more than nine hours of video testimony.
Hillary Clinton nearly storms out of hearing
In one of the most dramatic moments during Hillary Clinton's deposition, one of her lawyers informs the room that a photo from inside the deposition room has been leaked to the public.
Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert then admits to sharing a photo from inside the room, but she says it was before the hearing began. Her photo had been shared on social media by a conservative influencer.
Clinton bangs her fist on the table and says, "it doesn't matter. We are all abiding by the same rules".
Clinton's lawyer points out to lawmakers in the room that Clinton had asked for an open hearing, which would have made it viewable in real-time to members of the public, but the committee denied that request.
"I am done," Clinton says, standing up from her chair.
The hearing is then paused for a break and, when it reconvenes, Clinton's lawyer scolds the committee over leaking the image.
"We find it unacceptable," Clinton's lawyer says. "We find it unprofessional and we find it unfair. We are looking forward to this being conducted under the rules and being conducted consistent with expectations."
UFOs and Pizzagate
Several hours into the hearing, Republican Lauren Boebert brought up the issue of "Pizzagate" - a debunked conspiracy theory that a paedophilia ring linked to Hillary Clinton's inner circle was operating out of a Washington DC pizzeria.
After a bit of back and forth between Clinton's lawyer and Boebert about what exactly the lawmaker is asking, Boebert clarifies that she is asking if Clinton has reviewed any Epstein files that reference "Pizzagate".
"Pizzagate was totally made up. It was an outrageous allegation that ended up hurting a number of people," Clinton answers, adding, "I can't believe you're even referencing it."
Boebert asks a few more questions about Pizzagate, which Clinton's lawyers object to.
Another Republican lawmaker Eric Burlison says he'd like to begin his questioning with some "light-hearted questions".
He says that businessman and financier Laurance Rockefeller spearheaded an effort to get government files about UFOs declassified under Bill Clinton's presidency. He then says that while Hillary Clinton was running for president, one of her advisers publicly said she would release those UFO files if elected.
Congressman Burlison then asks Clinton if she's pleased now that these files may be released. Last month, Trump directed US government to prepare a release of files on UFOs and aliens.
Clinton answers that she is pleased, adding: "I think whatever can be disclosed should be disclosed".
Clinton and Trump discussed Epstein while golfing
In the middle of his hours-long deposition, Bill Clinton is asked whether Donald Trump should be compelled to testify.
"That's for you to decide," he says. "But he did know him well."
Clinton recounts a conversation with Trump around 2002 or 2003 about Jeffrey Epstein. "[Trump] never said anything to me to make me think he was involved in anything improper… He just said: 'We were friends and then we had a falling out over a land deal.' That's all."
The exchange, Clinton says, took place at Trump's golf course during a fundraiser.
Trump, he says, must have known that Clinton had previously flown on Epstein's plane.
He says that Trump told him: "We've had some great times over the years. But we fell out. All because of a real estate deal.'"
Clinton is asked if he recalls who brought up the topic of Epstein.
"No, but I'd be shocked if I did. I just don't do that," he responds.
Asked if Trump elaborated on his times shared with Epstein, Clinton says Trump did not put any "sexual spin on" the conversation.
I did not witness Epstein's crimes: Bill Clinton
In his opening remarks to the House Oversight Committee, Bill Clinton can be seen in the video denying that he knew of any wrongdoing by Epstein. He says that he hopes his involvement in the Epstein investigation will "prevent something like this from happening again".
Clinton says he was only a "brief acquaintance" of Epstein, and that their relationship "ended years before his crimes came to light".
He also shared his concerns for Epstein's victims.
Clinton's reaction to being asked about hot tub photo
About halfway through his deposition, Bill Clinton is asked about a photo released by the US justice department as part of the Epstein files. It shows the former US president lounging in a hot tub with someone else, whose face is redacted.
The congressman says the public wants the "context" and "details" of the image.
"I don't think I ever knew the photo was taken," Clinton says, adding he's "almost sure" it was shot in Brunei at the end of a "long" Asia trip.
"The Sultan of Brunei was a man I had gotten to know well in my eight years as president," he recalls, explaining the leader had offered to help the Clinton Global Initiative and suggested a hotel.
He said, "I want you to stay at this hotel and I hope you will use the pool. So I did. And then I got out, and went to bed, exhausted", Clinton says with a chuckle.
Asked about the other person in the photo, whose identity is edited out by the justice department, Clinton twice says: "I don't know who that is".
"I sat in the hot tub for five minutes, or whatever it was, and I got up and went to bed," he says.
Pressed on whether any sexual activity occurred that night or with that person in the hot tub, he answers no.