Bill Clinton's links to Jeffrey Epstein have been well known for years, with the former president stating it was his charity work after leaving the White House that brought them together. According to a BBC report, images and emails released by the Department of Justice provide clues about the extent of the relationship.
The newly released material is likely to play a central part in tough questioning the former Democratic president will undergo by a Republican-led congressional committee. The files do not implicate Clinton in any wrongdoing; he has not been accused of misconduct by Epstein's victims who have come forward so far, and there is no proof he knew of his crimes.
Police Response and Timeline
Clinton's spokesperson has said the photos are decades old and Clinton had stopped associating with Epstein before his crimes came to light. The former president told New York Magazine that Epstein was "both a highly successful financier and a committed philanthropist" and he "especially appreciated his insights and generosity during the recent trip to Africa to work on democratisation, empowering the poor, citizen service, and combating HIV/AIDS".
Flight logs show Clinton flew on Epstein's private jet at least 24 times, including stops in Europe, Africa, Asia, Russia, and the US. The trips received high-profile press coverage as did the Clinton-Epstein connection.
Ghislaine Maxwell's Role
Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite now convicted of sex trafficking, was the key link between Epstein and Clinton. Maxwell's emails with Clinton's top aide, Doug Band, between 2002 and 2004 reveal a cosy relationship, rife with flattery and sexual innuendo.
Maxwell told the Department of Justice that she was "very central" to the effort as a convener - she "helped bring key personnel" to the project. Band describes himself as the "key architect" of Clinton's post presidency role, having been "instrumental in the creation and growth" of his signature Clinton Global Initiative conference.
Investigation Underway
Bill Clinton's Deputy Chief of Staff Angel Ureña told the BBC that "President Clinton knew nothing about Epstein's crimes and has nothing to hide." Ureña said Clinton did not send any of the emails in the Epstein files.
The Epstein file emails suggest that Band sought Maxwell's help in brokering connections advantageous to the Clinton Global Initiative. Band called upon her to help set up meetings, including with Richard Attias, the Moroccan events mogul who played a crucial role connecting global elites at Davos.
