Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to use compromising information about Gates’ extramarital affairs to force his way back into the billionaire’s life after Gates tried to sever ties, according to a transcript of a closed-door congressional session released this week. Appearing before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 as part of an ongoing probe into the government’s handling of the Epstein investigations, Gates clarified that while Epstein never explicitly threatened him, the disgraced financier used an adviser to send “veiled” threats and appeared to brainstorm blackmail strategies. Documents released earlier this year by the Department of Justice showed Epstein rehearsing how to leverage the information in emails to himself, though Gates noted those specific messages were never sent to him. During the interview, Gates acknowledged having at least three extramarital affairs but emphasized that Epstein was not involved with any of the women and only learned of the relationships after their professional connection had ended.The newly released testimony offers a rare window into how Epstein allegedly attempted to manipulate powerful public figures, despite the Department of Justice stating last year that it found no credible evidence Epstein had successfully blackmailed prominent individuals. Gates maintained that his interactions with Epstein were strictly limited to business, stating he never witnessed a crime or suspected that the women traveling with the financier were victims of sex trafficking. When asked about photographs showing him with some of Epstein’s victims, Gates explained that Epstein occasionally requested photos of him with women whom Gates believed to be his assistants.
Bill Gates: Funding for Gates Foundation was all on my mind
Gates told lawmakers he began meeting with Epstein in 2011 under the impression that the financier’s connections to the wealthy could advance the global health initiatives of the Gates Foundation. Although he was aware of Epstein’s sexual criminal conviction and “bad reputation” at the time, Gates admitted he did not look into the specifics. He stated he only realized the full extent of Epstein’s crimes in 2018 following the Miami Herald’s investigative reporting on Epstein’s lenient federal non-prosecution agreement. Reflecting on the relationship, Gates acknowledged that Epstein used high-profile social circles to cultivate an “image of legitimacy” and expressed deep regret that his own participation likely bolstered that image. He admitted that his focus on raising philanthropic funds allowed his goal to override his better judgment. “I was aware that he had a criminal conviction,” Gates said. “I knew that it was of a sexual nature, but, no, I don’t think I knew, dug into the specifics, although I probably should have.” While Gates insisted the meetings were never social, he recalled that their dinners involved wide-ranging discussions with bankers and academics, and even featured entertainment from magician David Blaine. Describing Epstein as a “dilettante” with a surface-level knowledge of science and academics, Gates said that Epstein suggested he “provided advice to lots of billionaires” who might be able to advance philanthropic causes. “He talked about Wall Street billionaires, he talked about Middle East billionaires. He made it sound very extensive … maybe for me to have a good impression of him,” Gates said. Gates claimed he only became aware of the full extent of Epstein’s crimes in 2018 after the Miami Herald’s in-depth reporting on Epstein’s lenient deal with federal prosecutors.
