Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in a congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a spokesperson confirmed Monday.

The move comes amid a looming threat of contempt charges for the couple’s earlier refusal to appear.

The decision by the Clintons to testify could prevent the Republican-led House of Representatives from voting to hold them in contempt—a measure that could have led to criminal prosecution.

Angel Urena, the Clintons’ deputy chief of staff, announced on social media:

“The former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”

The announcement followed a statement from the House Oversight Committee accusing the couple of “defying lawful subpoenas” and seeking special treatment.

Background

Last week, the Oversight Committee recommended holding the Clintons in contempt after they initially refused to appear in person. The couple had expressed willingness to cooperate but called the investigation partisan, aimed at shielding former President Donald Trump, a longtime Epstein associate.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the news but did not confirm whether the planned contempt vote would be withdrawn:

“That’s a good development. We expect everyone to comply with Congress’s subpoenas.”

Democrats argue the probe is politically motivated, targeting Trump’s opponents while the former president himself has not been called to testify despite his Epstein ties.

Clinton-Epstein ties

Bill Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane several times in the early 2000s after leaving office. He has publicly expressed regret over the relationship, insisting he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.

The investigation into Epstein continues to implicate figures in both the U.S. and the U.K., including former Prince Andrew and ex-UK ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson. UK police are reviewing allegations against Mandelson, who apologised to Epstein’s victims and denied wrongdoing.