Bill Gates, Microsoft Corporation co-founder has told members of the US Congress that he “did not fully understand the extent” of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes when he associated with the convicted sex offender, according to a copy of his opening statement cited by Reuters.
The Microsoft Corp co-founder gave private testimony to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is examining how federal authorities handled investigations involving Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Gates said he never witnessed any criminal conduct by Epstein and accused him of attempting to use personal information against him.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said in his statement. “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities — in addition to many lies that he layered on top — to pressure me to re-engage with him.”
The committee, led by Republican chairman James Comer, is investigating potential mismanagement in the Epstein and Maxwell cases, including plea agreements, investigative delays, and the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice show Gates and Epstein met multiple times after Epstein’s 2008 conviction to discuss philanthropic work connected to the Gates Foundation. Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida that year to a felony prostitution charge and served 13 months in jail.
He was later charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors but died by suicide while awaiting trial, according to official findings.
The DOJ materials also included images of Gates with women whose faces were redacted. Gates has previously said his engagement with Epstein was limited to philanthropy discussions and described it as a mistake to meet him.
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said Gates “took responsibility for his actions” in a February internal meeting, while the foundation has since launched an external review into its past interactions linked to Epstein.
The wider congressional probe also covers the handling of Epstein’s prosecution, ethics concerns, and the release of government files, which have referenced numerous high-profile figures across politics and business, including President Donald Trump, who previously socialised with Epstein.
