RismadarVoice Reporters
June 10, 2026
Bill Gates has told a United States congressional hearing that he never victimised anyone as he faced questions over his past association with late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday for a transcribed interview examining his relationship with Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.
In prepared testimony released ahead of the closed-door hearing, Gates said he had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal conduct by Epstein and denied visiting any of the financier’s private properties.
“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone,” Gates stated.
The Microsoft co-founder described his association with Epstein as a “grave error in judgement” and expressed regret that his interactions may have enhanced Epstein’s credibility.
Gates said he met Epstein in 2011, several years after the financier had pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution. According to him, Epstein claimed he could help attract wealthy donors to support global health initiatives.
He told lawmakers that he was aware Epstein had faced legal issues but did not fully understand the extent of his crimes at the time.
“I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates said.
According to his testimony, the relationship ended in December 2014 after efforts to secure philanthropic support through Epstein failed to produce results.
“I told him we would go no further and stopped communicating or meeting with him,” he said.
Gates also addressed reports that Epstein had obtained sensitive information about his personal life, including extramarital affairs, and attempted to use it to pressure him into resuming contact.
“He sought 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,” Gates told the committee.
The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, as part of a broader review of the US government’s handling of the case and the release of related records.
Other prominent figures, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Howard Lutnick, have also appeared before the committee in connection with its inquiries.
Gates’ appearance comes amid renewed scrutiny following the release of Justice Department documents that raised additional questions about his contacts with Epstein. He has consistently denied any involvement in criminal activity and maintains that his interactions with the financier were limited and focused on philanthropy.
