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Microsoft co-founder questioned about connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Gates refers to meeting Epstein as a “serious mistake in judgment,” asserting he never visited Epstein’s island or properties, nor victimized anyone.
On Wednesday, Gates stated that he “never harmed anyone” while being questioned by U.S. lawmakers over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. As a prominent philanthropist and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee for an interview about Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.
Gates explained during his prepared remarks that he “never saw or had any indication” Epstein was involved in ongoing criminal activity. He emphasized that he’s never been to Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida residence, and that he has never victimized anyone.
He characterized his interaction with Epstein as “a serious mistake” and expressed regret, saying, “if my time with Epstein gave him any credibility, I am truly sorry.” The committee called Gates for questioning after Justice Department documents surfaced, raising questions about his contacts with Epstein.
Other notable figures, like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have also testified before the committee. It’s important to note that just being listed in Epstein-related documents does not imply any wrongdoing.
The Epstein files include a 2013 draft email suggesting Epstein may have helped Gates manage fallout from extramarital affairs, including seeking antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection. Gates has dismissed this email as fake and denied such allegations.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Gates told foundation staff that he had affairs with two Russian women but denied any involvement with Epstein’s victims. He revealed that he met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates claimed Epstein claimed he could gather billions for global health through his tax and estate services and that, while Gates was aware Epstein had legal troubles, he did not fully understand the gravity of his crimes.
Gates continued his associations with Epstein until December 2014, when it became clear that potential donors Epstein introduced were not interested. Gates has acknowledged that his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, raised concerns about Epstein in 2013, but Gates continued the relationship for at least a year afterward. The couple divorced in 2021, and Melinda has said that the remaining questions about Gates’s relationship with Epstein are for Gates and others to answer.
In his testimony, Gates also said he learned Epstein “knew about my personal life, including my infidelities,” though Gates said those affairs had no connection to his interactions with Epstein. He added that Epstein used this information to pressure him into reconnecting, which Gates refused.
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Epstein and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell examines how the government handled the case and what information has been disclosed. President Donald Trump, who also had a long association with Epstein, initially opposed releasing related files, leading to accusations of a coverup early in his presidency.
Democrats plan to inquire further into what Gates knew about Epstein’s crimes and the nature of their relationship. Unlike previous interviews, this session will not be recorded on video. Reports indicate Gates employed former Justice Department attorney John Moran and consulted with former Oversight investigator Jake Greenberg to prepare. While some ethics experts questioned this approach, it may not have broken any rules.
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