WASHINGTON, D.C. — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told congressional investigators Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to use information about Gates’ private life as leverage during their association, according to testimony given before the House Oversight Committee.
Gates appeared voluntarily as part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network and the handling of allegations surrounding the financier. During the closed-door deposition, Gates described his relationship with Epstein as a significant mistake and said he regretted maintaining contact with him after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
According to Reuters, Gates testified that he initially became involved with Epstein in 2011 because Epstein claimed he could help mobilize financial support for global health and philanthropic initiatives. Gates said he ended the relationship in 2014 after concluding that Epstein would not deliver on those promises.
During questioning, Gates acknowledged that Epstein attempted to use sensitive information about his extramarital affairs to pressure him. Gates also told lawmakers that he never witnessed criminal activity by Epstein and had no knowledge of ongoing offenses during the period they interacted.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the committee is not investigating Gates for wrongdoing but is seeking to better understand how Epstein maintained relationships with influential individuals and how institutions failed victims over many years.
The committee has conducted numerous interviews as part of its broader investigation. Previous witnesses have reportedly included former President Bill Clinton and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Lawmakers are expected to release a transcript of Gates’ testimony in the coming days as the investigation continues. The committee has said its focus remains on understanding the broader network surrounding Epstein and identifying institutional failures that allowed his activities to continue for years.
Sources:
* Reuters – MBFC Rating
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