Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates revealed Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to use information about Gates’ personal life, including extramarital affairs, to pressure him into maintaining contact, according to testimony delivered before the House Oversight Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into the Epstein case.
Gates appeared voluntarily before the Republican-led committee in a closed-door interview that focused on his past interactions with Epstein and the broader network of influential figures connected to the disgraced financier. The billionaire has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, but lawmakers have sought answers about why he continued meeting with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex-related offenses.
In prepared remarks, Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein was a “grave error in judgment” and expressed regret for any legitimacy his association may have provided. He told lawmakers that while he knew Epstein had a criminal record, he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein’s crimes when the two began discussing philanthropic projects more than a decade ago.
The most striking portion of Gates’ testimony centered on allegations that Epstein attempted to exploit sensitive information about Gates’ personal life. Gates admitted that he had been unfaithful during his marriage to Melinda French Gates and said Epstein later became aware of those affairs.
“As the public can now see, based on what has been released in the files, Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities,” Gates said in his statement.
Gates said he came to that realization after ending his relationship with the disgraced financier and later learning that Epstein had attempted to use details of his extramarital affairs to gain leverage over him.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein,” Gates said in his statement, adding that the ordeal was deeply painful for his family. According to Gates, Epstein mixed truthful information about his personal life with what he described as “many lies” in an effort to reestablish influence over him after their relationship had soured.
Gates told lawmakers that Epstein’s efforts ultimately failed and that he refused to continue any association with him.
“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda. I should never have met with Epstein in the first place. Based on what I know now, I understand that even if he had delivered the new donors he promised, it would not have justified associating with him.”
Gates said he now believes Epstein sought to use relationships with prominent figures to bolster his public image and shield himself from scrutiny.
“I see now that he sought to build an image of legitimacy around himself, using connections to reputable and powerful people to deflect scrutiny and attempt to rehabilitate his reputation. I was so focused on the possibility of raising funds for global health that I allowed that goal to override my better judgment.”
The testimony comes amid renewed scrutiny surrounding Gates’ past association with Epstein following the release of thousands of documents connected to federal investigations and congressional inquiries. Those records have fueled questions about Epstein’s efforts to cultivate relationships with wealthy and influential individuals in politics, business, academia, and philanthropy.
Gates reiterated that he never witnessed any criminal conduct by Epstein and denied visiting Epstein’s private island or participating in any illegal activities. He also told lawmakers that none of the meetings he had with Epstein resulted in the philanthropic partnerships or fundraising opportunities that Epstein had promised.
According to Gates, discussions initially centered on global health and charitable initiatives, but those plans never materialized. The billionaire has previously apologized for his association with Epstein, calling it a mistake that damaged both his reputation and the reputation of the Gates Foundation.
Earlier this year, Gates reportedly told foundation employees that spending time with Epstein was a “huge mistake” and acknowledged that his former wife had long been skeptical of the relationship.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer has made the Epstein investigation a major focus of the committee’s work, seeking testimony from numerous high-profile figures whose names appeared in Justice Department files and other records connected to the case. Gates is among the most prominent witnesses to appear so far.
