Bill Gates Addresses Congressional Panel Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties, Confirms Marital Infidelities
Billionaire Bill Gates testified voluntarily to a congressional committee in Washington, asserting he never had a personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates stated he severed ties with Epstein when fundraising efforts for his philanthropic initiatives proved fruitless. The House Oversight Committee hearing reportedly involved Gates naming powerful individuals Epstein had approached for financial contributions.
Gates also acknowledged marital infidelities, claiming Epstein used this information to exert pressure on him. Committee members suggested Epstein acted as a "friend collector," associating with influential figures like Gates to "project power and influence." In his opening remarks, Gates maintained he never witnessed nor had any indication of Epstein's criminal conduct.
"I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone," Gates stated. "While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated." He further expressed hope that "the survivors of Epstein's crimes can get the justice that they deserve."
Gates's association with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein's conviction in Florida on prostitution solicitation charges, reportedly stemming from discussions about potential fundraising for Gates's global health initiative. Gates informed the panel he made it clear from the outset that Epstein would have no role in his foundation's work or receive compensation.
Following the US Department of Justice's release of documents linked to the Epstein investigation in January, Gates's name appeared thousands of times, with several photographs showing him alongside Epstein. Gates has consistently denied any wrongdoing or prior knowledge of Epstein's illegal activities. He reiterated a previous statement that he exercised poor judgement in meeting Epstein and regretted the acquaintance.
One document release included a photograph purportedly showing Gates near an aircraft with Epstein's pilot, with Gates confirming he had travelled on Epstein's private jet. Other documents included unverified draft emails attributed to Epstein, which contained disputed claims about Gates's personal life, including allegations of facilitating "illicit trysts" and assisting with medication for a sexually-transmitted infection. Gates denies these specific claims, though he has admitted to affairs with two Russian women.
"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," Gates asserted in his statement. In 2014, after Epstein convened a group of purported donors, Gates concluded that discussions were a "dead-end" and Epstein would not deliver on his promises. He subsequently ceased communication and meetings with Epstein.
Democrats on the committee noted that Gates provided the names of individuals Epstein had gathered but did not make them public. Republican committee member Tim Burchett characterised Epstein as a "friend collector" who sought association with prominent figures for status. Democratic committee members also reported that Gates denied being introduced to any underage individuals by Epstein. Lawmakers reportedly questioned the plausibility of Gates's limited knowledge regarding Epstein's publicly available background.
