"You Can Hold Me in Contempt": Hillary Clinton Threatens to Walk Out of Epstein Deposition

CHAPPAQUA, NY — A high-stakes, closed-door deposition turned into a standoff on Thursday, February 26, 2026, when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton threatened to abandon the proceedings. 

Newly released video from the House Oversight Committee captures the moment Clinton learned that a photo of her testifying had been leaked online in violation of strict committee rules.

The deposition was part of a broader congressional investigation into the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

While both Bill and Hillary Clinton have denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, the session was nearly derailed by what Clinton described as "typical" political theater.

The Leak: Lauren Boebert and the "Blue Suit"

Roughly an hour into the session, Clinton’s attorney, Cheryl Mills, interrupted questioning to notify the room that a photograph of Clinton, taken inside the "photo-free" secure zone, was circulating on social media.

• Republican Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado admitted to taking the photo and sending it to a conservative influencer.
• When later confronted by reporters about the breach of protocol, Boebert sarcastically remarked that she "really admired her blue suit" and wanted to capture it for the public.
• A visibly angry Clinton slapped the table and stood up. "I am done with this! If you guys are doing that, I am done," she told the committee. "You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home. This is just typical behavior."

The Deposition: Epstein and "Distraction"

After a brief recess and an agreement that no further photos would be taken, the deposition continued for over six hours. 

The released footage highlights several tense exchanges:

• Denial of Connection: Hillary Clinton testified under oath that she has no recollection of ever meeting Jeffrey Epstein. "I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein," she stated.
• The "Plus One": Lawmakers questioned her about Ghislaine Maxwell’s attendance at Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding. Clinton dismissed the connection, stating Maxwell was simply an invited guest’s "plus one."
• The "Fishing Expedition": In her opening statement, which she later posted publicly, Clinton accused the committee of using her to "distract attention" from Donald Trump, who is also named in the Epstein files. She suggested that if the committee were serious, they would ask Trump about his own involvement under oath.

Bill Clinton’s Testimony

Former President Bill Clinton was deposed the following day, Friday, February 27.

• The Airplane: He acknowledged using Epstein’s private jet for humanitarian work in the early 2000s but maintained he ended the relationship in 2003, years before Epstein’s initial conviction.
• The Hot Tub Photo: Lawmakers pressed him on a photo showing him in a pool/hot tub with women whose faces were redacted. In her own deposition, Hillary Clinton defended her husband, stating, "Sitting in a hot tub... there are millions of people who do that without any improper behavior."

The committee released the full video recordings of both depositions on March 2, 2026, following intense pressure from Democrats to make the proceedings transparent to the public.