Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is testifying about Jeffrey Epstein in a behind-closed-doors session with US lawmakers.

Her opening statement, which Clinton shared on social media, accuses the Republican-led House Oversight Committee of "partisan political theater" and calls on them to request President Donald Trump to testify.

Clinton says she has no information on Epstein's crimes, and does not recall ever meeting or speaking to him.

Clinton's statement makes it clear she's not backing away from a fight, North America Correspondent Anthony Zurcher writes.

Lawmakers are expected to give the media updates about Clinton's testimony throughout the day.

There is no suggestion that appearing in the Epstein documents, millions of files relating to the late sex offender, implies any wrongdoing.