Bill Gates Tells Congress Epstein Tried To Use His Affairs As 'Leverage' To Maintain Contact

Bill Gates on Wednesday told US lawmakers that Jeffrey Epstein tried to use knowledge of his extramarital affairs as leverage in an effort to maintain contact with him, as the Microsoft co-founder testified about his past relationship with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.

Gates said Epstein had become aware of “sensitive information” about his personal life, including the fact that he had been unfaithful in his marriage, and attempted to exploit it to pressure him into re-engaging after their relationship had ended.

“I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage,” the billionaire said in prepared opening remarks released as the interview

began.

He further accused Epstein of trying to use information about his infidelities, “in addition to many lies that he layered on top,” to pressure him to re-engage.

“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda,” Gates told lawmakers.

‘Never victimised anyone’

Gates appeared before the US House Oversight Committee for a closed-door, transcribed interview focused on his ties to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

In his prepared remarks, Gates denied wrongdoing and said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct. “I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone,” he said.

He said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through trusted associates linked to his philanthropic work, believing Epstein could help raise funds for global health initiatives. However, Gates said he later realised he had not exercised sufficient caution in accepting the introduction.

“I should never have met with Epstein in the first place,” he said, adding that their interactions ended in 2014 and resulted in no fundraising or formal collaboration.

Gates also said Epstein appeared to cultivate legitimacy through associations with influential figures, and expressed regret over any perception that their meetings lent him credibility.

“If the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry,” he said.

(With inputs from AFP)