Bill Gates testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday in a closed-door session as part of the lawmakers’ investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In his opening remarks, the Microsoft co-founder stated that he “never witnessed nor had any indication” that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.
Gates said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through people he trusted in his professional and philanthropic work, and that Epstein claimed he could raise billions for global health. Gates admitted he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein’s crimes at the time, referring to Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution with a minor.
The billionaire detailed that his interactions with Epstein consisted of three preliminary meetings in 2011 and two in 2012, followed by more extensive conversations in 2013 and 2014 focused on potential philanthropic structures. Gates said he made it clear Epstein would never play a role in any work or receive compensation. By 2014, after a meeting with potential donors yielded no results, Gates concluded Epstein would not deliver and ceased communication.
Gates also addressed Epstein’s involvement in his personal affairs, noting that Epstein had obtained sensitive information about Gates’s infidelities and attempted to use it to pressure him. Gates emphasised that Epstein was unsuccessful and that he should never have met with him. The transcript of the testimony is expected to be released at a later date.
