Hillary Clinton testified she has no information on Epstein’s crimes

There was no doubt that this hearing with the Clintons was going to be high political drama.

To have the former first lady, Hillary Clinton, and former president Bill Clinton testify under subpoena about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is unprecedented.

The deposition concluded after more than six hours of questioning.

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and Democratic presidential candidate has long been a target for Republicans. Thursday, she was spoiling for a fight, calling the Republican-led Epstein probe “partisan political theatre.”

Clinton had demanded the hearing be made public, but behind closed doors, she answered hours of questions.

Releasing her opening statement, Clinton testified under oath she never even met the convicted sex offender and knew nothing about Epstein’s, nor Ghislaine Maxwell’s, crimes.

“I had no idea about their criminal activities,” Clinton testified. “I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island homes or offices.”

Democrat James Wilkenshaw of Virginia added, “There is no indication. Zero, zip, zilch, nada, that secretary Clinton had any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. ... My fear is we’re here today as part of a long running fever dream where Republicans want to lock up secretary Clinton.”

So, you have to ask, why was the former first lady called if she knows nothing?

Republican Chairman James Comer said it was critical for understanding Epstein’s network, how he got his wealth and potential foreign ties.

“Maxwell was a guest at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. ... So again, we’re not accusing Hillary Clinton of wrongdoing. We know that Jeffrey Epstein said many times in emails that he was the first person to raise money for the Clinton initiative, the Clinton Foundation,” Comer told reporters.

Facing off with lawmakers, Clinton claimed the inquiry seeks “to distract attention from President Trump’s actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers.”

At one point, testimony was halted, causing a big kerfuffle, because a conservative blogger appeared to have posted a photo of Clinton on social media, violating closed door rules.

Benny Johnson claims the photo was provided by Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert who was present at the hearing.

The former first lady had demanded the inquiry be public, not behind closed doors. Democrats also want a full unedited transcript of Clinton’s answers and the questions asked released within 24 hours.

Democrat Yassamin Ansari called the hearing “an incredibly unserious clown show. ... We have not learned one new thing.”

Bill to testify tomorrow

Tomorrow, it’s Bill Clinton’s turn to testify.

The former president socialized and had business dealings with Epstein over the Clinton charitable foundation. He has also acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane.

In the files, there are multiple pictures of Clinton with Maxwell posing with celebrities and in a relaxing in a hot tub.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.