Bill Gates has told US members of Congress that the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him over his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of Gates's testimony released on Tuesday.
The Microsoft founder testified behind closed doors before the House oversight committee on 10 June regarding his friendship with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes. Gates spoke of 'veiled' threats and said Epstein had considered exploiting his knowledge of Gates's affairs to force him to remain in Epstein's orbit.
'I was not blackmailed, but you know, as you look at these emails, you know, it looks like Mr Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction,' Gates said, referring to documents released in January by the US Department of Justice. 'He never sent me anything that I would call blackmail,' Gates added, but it appeared Epstein 'was sort of rehearsing how either he or he, coaching someone else, might choose to blackmail me'.
Gates, 70, released his opening remarks on the day of the testimony, stating he had never been aware of Epstein's criminal behaviour and had 'never victimized anyone'. In late February, Gates told the Wall Street Journal his ties to Epstein were a major mistake and admitted to extramarital affairs with two Russian women, but denied any involvement with Epstein's activities.
Gates claims his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving minors. Gates acknowledged knowing of Epstein's legal troubles but said he was told Epstein could raise billions for global health. 'I knew that it was of a sexual nature, but, no, I don't think I knew – dug into the specifics, although I probably should have,' Gates said.
