Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has told members of a House oversight committee that he never witnessed or had any indication that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was involved in ongoing criminal activities during the period they interacted.
Speaking in a closed-door session on Wednesday as part of a congressional investigation into Epstein’s network and connections, Gates said he appeared before lawmakers to answer questions about his past dealings with the financier and support efforts aimed at helping victims secure justice.
“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.
“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.”
The billionaire stressed that he never observed any criminal conduct by Epstein and denied visiting some of the locations frequently associated with him.
“At the outset, I want to state very clearly: I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct,” Gates stated.
“I never went to his island, his ranch or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated.”
According to Gates, he first met Epstein in 2011 through individuals connected to his professional and charitable work. He said Epstein claimed he could attract billions of dollars in donations for global health initiatives through wealthy contacts.
“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.
“I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have.”
Gates explained that their early interactions consisted of a handful of meetings in 2011 and 2012 focused on philanthropy. He said discussions later expanded in 2013 and 2014 and centred on possible funding structures and potential donors for global health programmes.
“I made it clear to Epstein from the outset that he would never play a role in any of the work or receive any compensation,” he said.
However, Gates said he eventually concluded that Epstein’s promises of securing major donors would not materialize.
“After Epstein brought together a group he described as potential donors, I realized that our prior discussions – which should have translated into meaningful philanthropic support – were a dead end,” he said.
“At that point, I concluded Epstein would never deliver on his promises. I told him we would go no further and stopped communicating or meeting with him.”
Gates said all contact ended in December 2014.
The philanthropist also addressed reports that Epstein later became aware of sensitive details about his personal life, including his marital infidelity.
“After this, I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage,” Gates said.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”
He further alleged that Epstein attempted to use that information to re-establish contact with him.
“As the public can now see, based on what has been released in the files, 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.
“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.”
Reflecting on the relationship, Gates admitted it was a mistake to associate with Epstein at all.
“I should never have met with Epstein in the first place. Based on what I know now, I understand that even if he had delivered the new donors he promised, it would not have justified associating with him,” he said.
“I see now that he sought to build an image of legitimacy around himself, using connections to reputable and powerful people to deflect scrutiny and attempt to rehabilitate his reputation.
“I was so focused on the possibility of raising funds for global health that I allowed that goal to override my better judgment.”
The committee, led by James Comer, requested Gates’ testimony after the release of millions of documents linked to Epstein earlier this year. While the files contained references to Gates and records of meetings between the two men, Gates has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
