WASHINGTON: Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has testified before a U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to details released following a closed-door hearing.
Gates said in his opening statement that he never saw any indication that Epstein was involved in ongoing criminal activity. He added that he never visited Epstein’s private island, residences, or his Florida home, and rejected suggestions of a close personal relationship.
According to Gates, his first meeting with Epstein took place in 2011 during discussions related to fundraising for philanthropic initiatives. He said Epstein portrayed himself as someone with access to wealthy networks capable of supporting global health projects, which led to a limited number of meetings.
Gates said he cut off all contact with Epstein in December 2014, adding that no philanthropic fund or project materialized from their interactions.
During the testimony, Gates also referenced emails included in investigative documents, alleging that Epstein attempted to pressure him using personal information related to his private life. Gates said these matters were unrelated to their meetings but acknowledged they caused distress to his family.
He said later-released documents suggest Epstein tried to regain contact by using misleading claims and personal details, but was unsuccessful. Gates described meeting Epstein as a “major mistake” and said he regrets any perception that the relationship gave Epstein legitimacy.
The testimony is part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein’s connections with influential political, business, and social figures, and whether any individuals helped shield him from accountability.
Committee Chairman James Comer said Gates was questioned about Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, but clarified that Gates is not accused of any illegal activity.
Epstein was accused of running a long-standing sex trafficking network involving underage girls. He died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting federal trial; his death was ruled a suicide. The case continues to generate public scrutiny and political debate in the United States.
