Bill Gates testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, saying he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and never saw him engage in criminal conduct. According to Gates’ prepared remarks obtained by CNN, he said he never visited Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida home, never victimized anyone, and did not reciprocate Epstein’s effort to build a personal relationship. Gates said his introduction to Epstein in 2011 was a “grave error in judgement,” and he acknowledged that he should have applied more scrutiny before accepting the meeting.
Gates told lawmakers that Epstein claimed he could raise billions for global health and that Gates initially understood only that Epstein had some prior legal trouble, not the full extent of his crimes. Gates said the two men’s interactions were limited and ended in December 2014. He also testified that Epstein allegedly tried to use private information about Gates’ personal life, including his infidelity during his marriage, to pressure him to reconnect after their relationship ended. Gates said those personal matters were painful for his family but unrelated to his interactions with Epstein.
The testimony came after renewed scrutiny from documents released this year from Epstein’s files, which included unverified allegations and evidence of philanthropic coordination between the two men. Some of the most explosive material involved draft emails Epstein appears to have written to himself in 2013, alleging that he helped Gates with sexual encounters and concealed an STD from his wife. CNN reported that the emails were not verified, may never have been sent, and were addressed from Epstein to himself. Gates has strongly denied the claims and has previously said the messages were false.
During the hearing, lawmakers asked Gates about the draft emails and his relationship with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on prostitution-related charges. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury said Gates admitted knowing about Epstein’s reputation and conviction but still viewed the relationship as a way to access wealthy donors. Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia said Gates was somewhat combative but cooperative, and that he repeatedly denied being introduced by Epstein to underage girls or women. Gates’ lawyer declined to answer questions about unrelated extramarital affairs.
Gates arrived voluntarily and said he hoped his testimony would help the committee seek justice for Epstein’s victims. House Oversight Chair James Comer said there were no limits on the questioning. The interview was the committee’s 15th in its broader investigation. Garcia said Gates’ testimony will be part of a continuing effort to determine what Gates knew, who else was in Epstein’s circle, and why the relationship continued after Epstein’s conviction.
