Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates appeared before the US House Oversight Committee for a closed-door inquiry regarding his past relationship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In an opening statement released ahead of the session, the tech billionaire explicitly called his association with the disgraced financier as a "grave error in judgment."
While Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing, his voluntary appearance marks one of the most high-profile inquiries conducted by the committee.
Lawmakers are currently probing how the federal government managed its investigations into Epstein, as well as the extent to which prominent figures may have inadvertently lent him credibility.Clarifying the scope of the relationship
In his remarks, Gates sought to distance himself from Epstein's criminal network, stating that his motivation for the meetings was rooted entirely in philanthropic fundraising.
Gates also asserted that he "never witnessed nor had any indication" that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal behaviour. He clarified that he never visited Epstein’s private island, his ranch, or his home in Florida, stating firmly, "I have never victimised anyone."
According to Gates, he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 after being told the financier could mobilise billions of dollars from wealthy individuals for global health initiatives. Gates noted he cut ties in 2014 after realising Epstein could not deliver on those funding promises.
Also read | Is Bill Gates' Mr Nice Guy image beginning to crack?
Extramarital affairs and coercion
Gates also addressed documents released in the Justice Department's broader Epstein files that referenced his personal life. He admitted that Epstein had learned about past extramarital relationships and attempted to use that sensitive information as leverage to force Gates back into business discussions.
Gates said that these personal matters were unrelated to his actual interactions with Epstein but noted they were "painful for my family."
"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. He was unsuccessful in this effort," noted Gates.
Also read | Gates Foundation to cut up to 20% jobs by 2030, review ties with Epstein
Lawmakers offered differing takes on the closed-door testimony as they exited the hearing room.
Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) reiterated to reporters that "no one's accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing," emphasising that the objective is to understand how the government failed to hold Epstein accountable earlier.
Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) called Gates cooperative but slammed the billionaire's timeline, noting that Gates chose to engage with Epstein three years after his 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Garcia called the decision "a horrific judgment call."
The House Oversight Committee expects to release a full transcript of the interview at a later date as part of its ongoing investigation.
