Key facts
- Bill Gates testified privately to the House Oversight Committee about his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Gates stated Epstein attempted to leverage sensitive personal information, including marital infidelities, to gain influence.
- Gates called his meetings with Epstein a 'grave error' that risked his philanthropic work.
- Gates stated he ended communication with Epstein in December 2014.
- Gates claimed he never witnessed or had any indication of Epstein's ongoing criminal conduct.
- Committee Chair James Comer noted Gates's voluntary cooperation and stated no one is accusing him of wrongdoing.
Bill Gates testified privately before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates stated that Epstein sought to exploit sensitive personal information, including marital infidelities, to gain leverage over him. He described the meetings as a 'grave error in judgment' that risked his philanthropic work and emphasized that all contact ended in December 2014.
Gates told lawmakers he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and never witnessed any indication of ongoing wrongdoing. He stated he never visited Epstein's properties and had no personal interest in their association, which began in 2011 with the promise of funding for global health initiatives. Committee Chair James Comer noted Gates's voluntary cooperation, stating no one is accusing him of wrongdoing.
The testimony comes amid renewed scrutiny of Gates's past interactions with Epstein, following the release of documents related to the financier. This appearance marked the committee's 15th interview in its examination of Epstein's network and connections.