Bill Gates Testifies: Claims No Personal Relationship with Epstein
On Wednesday, billionaire Bill Gates appeared voluntarily at a closed‑door hearing of the House Oversight Committee, where lawmakers were investigating the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein.”
Gates asserted that he had never shared a personal relationship with Epstein, stating, “While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated.” He continued, “I have never victimized anyone.”
The billionaire also called the partnership a failed venture, explaining that he cut ties after Epstein failed to deliver on promised fundraising for his philanthropic work. He said: “It became clear that no one in the group was interested in moving forward.”
During the testimony, Gates also addressed allegations that Epstein had used knowledge of his marital infidelities to coerce him. He said, “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities ... to pressure me to re‑engage with him.”
The hearing also highlighted several emails released by the DOJ that suggested Epstein was a “friend collector,” and raised questions about Gates’s awareness of Epstein’s criminal background and the ethics of his fundraising efforts.
Some committee members, such as Democrat Robert Garcia, suggested Gates might have known Epstein could be convicted of horrific crimes but still continued to interact for the sake of funding. Other lawmakers, including Republican Tim Burchett, described the questions as intense and highlighted Epstein’s role in securing high‑profile connections.
Gates concluded his statements by expressing regret for his engagement with Epstein, saying, “Every minute I spent with him I regret.” He also showed support for survivors, stating, “I hope the survivors of Epstein’s crimes can get the justice they deserve.”
The testimony was one of several from high‑profile figures such as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, which collectively form part of a bipartisan inquiry into the Epstein case.
