Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition paused over Benny Johnson sharing leaked picture online

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Hillary Clinton's closed-door deposition in the Jeffrey Epstein probe on Thursday, February 26, was paused unexpectedly after a photograph from inside the room surfaced online, despite explicit rules barring images or recordings from the session.

The deposition had only just begun when proceedings went “off the record” following the circulation of the image on X by conservative influencer Benny Johnson.

Johnson, in a post on X, even claimed that Hillary had stormed off the deposition over the matter.

Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition halted

The image posted online showed a somber-looking Clinton seated at a table during the deposition.

With the image, Johnson wrote, “BREAKING: The first image of Hillary Clinton testifying under oath about Jeffery Epstein to the Republican Oversight Committee. This is the first time Hillary has had to answer real questions about Epstein. Clinton does not look happy. Photo provided by Rep. Lauren Boebert.”

Boebert is a Republican member of the House Oversight Committee.

Clinton's adviser Nick Merrill spoke to reporters regarding the matter.

“The hearing just went off the record for a moment because it seems there was a photograph shared on social media, which is against the rules read at the top of the meeting”.

“So the hearing is paused briefly while they figure out where the photo came from and why possibly members of Congress have violated that rule.”

When one reporter said he had not seen the image, Merrill replied: “Look at Benny Johnson’s feed.”

Following the brief pause, the deposition resumed. According to reports, Clinton asked that journalists be allowed inside the room after the photo surfaced. Comer reportedly rejected that request.

Leaked Hillary Clinton photo sparks controversy

The controversy stems from the fact that the deposition was explicitly closed to the public and press. 

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer had said that videos and transcript of the deposition will be released only when it is reviewed by attorneys. 

Clinton’s team had previously requested that the deposition be conducted live on television, a request that was rejected by Comer.

Benny Johnson, Lauren Boebert defend photo

Johnson doubled down after backlash erupted online and claimed that Hillary stormed off the meet once the leak came to light.

“This is insane. The deposition is being filmed. Hillary wanted it to be done LIVE on TV. The entire deposition will be released soon,” he wrote. “Rep. Boebert gave me permission to post photo with credit. Hillary is trying to get out of answering questions about Epstein because of a pic!?!”

Boebert responded directly to Johnson’s post, writing “Benny did nothing wrong. Proceeding with deposition.”

Ed Krassenstein also slammed the leak and accused Republicans of “making a spectacle out of it”.

Another progressive influencer, Brian Tyler Cohen, used the image being leaked to question the entire purpose of getting the Clintons to testify about the Epstein case. "It was never about getting accurate information regarding Epstein. It was about making a spectacle out of Hillary testifying," he wrote on X, addressing Boebert.

Formal reactions on the incident from the Republican and Democrat parties were still awaited at the time of writing.