WASHINGTON, D.C. — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told members of Congress on Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to pressure him by leveraging information about his extramarital affairs, while acknowledging that he underestimated the extent of Epstein’s criminal conduct when they associated on philanthropic matters.
In testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Gates said he never witnessed criminal behavior by Epstein and that his interactions with the financier were related to discussions about charitable initiatives and fundraising for the Gates Foundation.
“I did not fully understand the extent of Epstein’s crimes,” Gates said in an opening statement released ahead of his testimony. He added that Epstein sought to use information about his personal affairs, along with what Gates described as false claims, to persuade him to resume contact.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said. “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities, in addition to many lies that he layered on top, to pressure me to re-engage with him.”
The testimony comes as Congress continues its examination of the U.S. Justice Department’s handling of investigations and prosecutions involving Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The House committee is reviewing issues that include plea agreements, law enforcement actions, sex trafficking investigations, ethics concerns, and the release of government records related to the case.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, requested Gates’ appearance in a March letter seeking information about the billionaire’s contacts with Epstein.
According to documents released by the Justice Department earlier this year, Gates and Epstein met multiple times following Epstein’s 2008 conviction on a Florida state prostitution-related charge. Records indicate the discussions focused on philanthropy and efforts to expand Gates’ charitable work.
The documents also included photographs showing Gates with several women whose identities were redacted. Gates has previously maintained that his interactions with Epstein were limited to philanthropic discussions and has publicly stated that meeting with Epstein was a mistake.
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told Reuters that Gates “took responsibility for his actions” during a February town hall meeting with foundation employees. The foundation has also launched an external review of its past interactions with Epstein, according to statements released earlier this year.
Emails disclosed by the Justice Department reportedly showed communications between Epstein and Gates Foundation staff, further drawing scrutiny to the relationship.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state felony prostitution charge and served 13 months in jail. In 2019, federal prosecutors charged him with sex trafficking minors. He pleaded not guilty and died in a New York jail later that year before standing trial. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
The broader congressional investigation follows the Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of records related to Epstein, shedding light on his connections to prominent figures in politics, business, finance, and academia.
Among those named in released records was President Donald Trump, who had social ties with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s. The release of the files has fueled renewed debate over government transparency and accountability in the handling of the Epstein investigation.
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was dismissed by Trump in April, also faced criticism from some observers over her handling of matters related to the Epstein case. Critics alleged that decisions surrounding the release of information may have limited public scrutiny of individuals connected to Epstein.
Congressional investigators continue to review the government’s actions throughout the Epstein case as lawmakers seek answers regarding prosecutorial decisions, investigative procedures, and the broader response to allegations of sex trafficking and abuse.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
