Bill Gates told US lawmakers that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him over his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of closed-door testimony released on Tuesday. The Microsoft co-founder appeared before the House oversight committee on 10 June regarding his ties to the late sex offender, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes.
In the transcript, Gates described 'veiled' threats from Epstein, who allegedly considered using knowledge of Gates's affairs to pressure him into maintaining their relationship. 'I was not blackmailed, but ... it looks like Mr Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction,' Gates said, referencing emails from the Epstein case released by the US Department of Justice in January. He added that Epstein never sent him any direct blackmail messages but appeared to be 'rehearsing how either he or he, coaching someone else, might choose to blackmail me'.
Gates, 70, had previously released his opening remarks, stating he was unaware of Epstein's criminal behaviour and had 'never victimized anyone'. In late February, he told the Wall Street Journal that his ties to Epstein were a 'major mistake' and admitted to extramarital affairs with two Russian women, but denied involvement in Epstein's activities.
Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving minors. He acknowledged knowing of Epstein's legal troubles but was told Epstein could raise billions for global health, a cause Gates was deeply involved in. 'I knew that it [the Epstein conviction] was of a sexual nature, but, no, I don't think I knew – dug into the specifics, although I probably should have,' Gates testified.
