Podcaster Joe Rogan has launched a scathing, line-by-line mockery of former US President Bill Clinton's recent statement demanding full transparency in the release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The comedian's critique comes after the publication of several photographs showing Clinton with Epstein.
Rogan's Brutal Satire and Allegations of a "Deal"
During a discussion on his popular podcast with fellow comedian Tom Segura, Rogan dissected a statement issued by Clinton through a spokesman on Monday. In it, Clinton suggested that "someone or something is being protected" by the ongoing handling of the files by authorities, adding "We need no such protection."
Rogan responded with heavy sarcasm. "This is like the killer pretending to be the detective," he quipped. "'We have got to solve this crime. We do not know who!'" Segura added: "This is the killer joining the search party." Referencing one of the now-public images, Rogan joked: "We got photos of you in a hot tub, buddy."
The host went further, suggesting Clinton's assertive tone indicated a behind-the-scenes agreement had been reached for his protection. "This means a deal was made," Rogan hypothesised. "So if you release a press release like that, it means the call went well. You got a deal in." He also questioned why the redaction process was taking so long, musing whether artificial intelligence could have been used to swiftly obscure victim names.
Victims and Lawmakers Accuse DOJ of Violating Law and Obscuring Truth
Clinton's statement called on officials to "immediately release any remaining materials" pertaining to him, accusing the Department of Justice (DOJ) of "selective releases to imply wrongdoing" about cleared individuals. This criticism aligns with that of Epstein's alleged victims.
A group of 19 alleged victims of Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell issued a powerful statement on Monday, accusing the government of serious missteps. They argued the DOJ violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by "withholding massive quantities of documents" and failing to properly redact survivor identities in the partial release last week.
"This is a blatant cover-up," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, who introduced a resolution to direct legal action against the DOJ to force compliance. The survivors have urged immediate congressional oversight and hearings.
The documents released so far, which included photos of Clinton with Epstein and others like Michael Jackson, offered few new revelations. Many were heavily redacted or already public. Crucially absent were key FBI interviews and internal memos.
Controversial Image of Trump Reinstated After Backlash
The DOJ's handling of the release has been mired in controversy. A photograph showing former President Donald Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell was briefly removed from the department's website over the weekend, prompting accusations of a political cover-up from Democrats.
The DOJ stated the image was flagged "for potential further action to protect victims," but it was reinstated on Sunday after officials determined "there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted." Trump, who was once friends with Epstein, had previously sought to keep the records sealed.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the incremental release, citing the need to protect victims' identities, and pledged full compliance by year's end. He also explained that Ghislaine Maxwell's recent transfer to a lower-security prison was due to "numerous threats against her life." Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
The unfolding saga continues to highlight the intense scrutiny and demand for accountability surrounding one of the most infamous criminal cases in recent history, implicating powerful figures on both sides of the Atlantic.
