Bill Gates testified before the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday, telling lawmakers in his opening remarks that he “never witnessed nor had any indication” that Jeffrey Epstein was “engaged in ongoing criminal conduct”. The Microsoft co-founder appeared in a closed-door session as part of the committee’s investigation into the convicted sex offender.
“I am here to answer your questions about my interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and to help contribute to the committee’s important work,” Gates said in his opening statement, seen by the Guardian. “I support the release of all the Epstein files and sincerely hope that, through your efforts and those of others advocating on their behalf, the survivors of Epstein’s crimes can get the justice that they deserve.”
Gates told lawmakers he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through people he trusted in his professional and philanthropic work. He said Epstein claimed he could raise billions of dollars for global health from people for whom he provided tax and estate services. “I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed,” Gates said, referring to Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to state charges in Florida of solicitation of prostitution and of solicitation of prostitution with a minor.
Gates said his interactions with Epstein began with three meetings in 2011 and two in 2012, during which they discussed the goals of his work. More extensive conversations followed in 2013 and 2014, focusing on potential giving structures. Gates said he made it clear from the outset that Epstein would never play a role in any of the work or receive any compensation. In 2014, after Epstein brought together a group he described as potential donors, Gates realised the discussions were a dead end and stopped communicating with him.
Gates also addressed Epstein’s involvement in a separation agreement with a former employee, saying the employee engaged Epstein to negotiate and advise on the terms. He told lawmakers that after this, he learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about his personal life, including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage. “These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said. “He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda.”
A transcript of the interview is expected to be released at a later date.
