Bill Clinton denies visiting Epstein island in new memoir

Former President Bill Clinton has come forward to address his past interactions with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in his new memoir, “Citizen.” Clinton expressed regret over ever meeting Epstein and denied ever visiting his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In the memoir, Clinton revealed that he had taken flights on Epstein’s private jet for trips related to the Clinton Foundation. However, he emphasized that their discussions were limited to “politics and economics” and that he never traveled to Epstein’s infamous Little St. James Island.

Reflecting on his encounters with Epstein, Clinton wrote, “I wish I had never met him. Traveling on Epstein’s plane was not worth the years of questioning afterward.” He acknowledged that the association with Epstein had caused him considerable scrutiny and regret.

After leaving the White House in 2001, Clinton moved to New York and established a new office in Harlem, where he met Epstein in person. They later met at Epstein’s New York mansion, with their interactions primarily focused on charitable work through Clinton’s foundation.

While Clinton’s name was mentioned in court documents related to a lawsuit against Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, he was not accused of participating in any criminal activities connected to Epstein or Maxwell. Despite allegations made in depositions by Epstein accusers, Clinton has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.

In his memoir, Clinton emphasized that he was unaware of the extent of Epstein’s criminal behavior and had always found him to be “odd.” He noted that he severed ties with Epstein after learning of the criminal charges against him.

Epstein, who faced federal sex trafficking charges, died in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Clinton clarified that the trips he took on Epstein’s jet occurred years before the financier was initially charged with sex crimes in Florida.

Clinton’s spokesman, Angel Urena, reiterated that Clinton could have opposed the release of his name in court documents but chose not to do so. Urena also refuted claims of a personal relationship between Clinton and Epstein.

The memoir provides insight into Clinton’s philanthropic efforts post-presidency and sheds light on his experiences with Epstein. Clinton’s candid reflections and remorse over his association with Epstein offer a glimpse into the complexities of navigating relationships with controversial figures.