A longtime aide to former President Bill Clinton has walked back a claim that the former U.S. president visited Jeffrey Epstein's island, according to CNN. The retraction comes amid renewed scrutiny of Clinton's ties to the convicted sex offender.
Details of the Retraction
The aide, who had previously stated that Clinton visited Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, now says the claim was inaccurate. In a statement to CNN, the aide clarified that Clinton never traveled to the island and that the earlier assertion was a mistake. The aide did not provide further details on why the initial claim was made.
According to CNN, the retraction was issued after the aide reviewed travel records and other documentation. The network reported that the aide acknowledged the error and apologized for any confusion.
Background on Clinton-Epstein Ties
Bill Clinton has long faced questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's private jet but has denied visiting the island or engaging in any illegal activity. In 2019, Clinton's spokesperson said the former president "knows nothing" about Epstein's crimes and had cut ties with him years earlier.
A 2016 court filing included a photo of Clinton, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell, with Clinton's signature at the top. The photo was released by U.S. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
Impact and Reactions
The retraction has drawn attention to the ongoing controversy surrounding Epstein's network and the individuals connected to him. Legal experts say the clarification may reduce speculation about Clinton's involvement but does not eliminate questions about his associations. Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend, is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
CNN reported that the aide's initial claim had been cited by some commentators as evidence of Clinton's ties to Epstein. The retraction is likely to be used by Clinton's defenders to push back against such allegations.
