Bill Gates Says He Was Blackmailed Over Personal Matters in Epstein Case Testimony

WASHINGTON: Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has testified before a U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding his past interactions with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to media reports.

In a closed-door hearing, Gates provided detailed testimony and later issued a statement addressing his limited contact with Epstein and the circumstances surrounding their meetings.

Gates stated that he never saw any indication that Jeffrey Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal activity. He also clarified that he never visited Epstein’s private island, residences, or his home in Florida, rejecting suggestions of a close personal relationship.

According to Gates, his first meeting with Epstein took place in 2011 while he was exploring funding and support for philanthropic initiatives. He said Epstein portrayed himself as someone capable of raising large-scale funding for global health projects and had access to influential networks, which led to a few meetings over 2011 and 2012.

Gates added that by December 2014 he had completely cut off all contact with Epstein after realizing that no meaningful philanthropic collaboration would materialize.

During his testimony, Gates also referenced emails included in documents related to Epstein, alleging that Epstein attempted to pressure him by using information about his personal and marital life. Gates described the matter as deeply personal and said it caused distress to his family.

He further stated that Epstein tried to re-establish contact using misleading claims and personal information, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Gates acknowledged that meeting Epstein in the first place was a mistake and expressed regret that any association may have inadvertently contributed to Epstein’s credibility.

The testimony is part of a broader investigation by the House Oversight Committee into Epstein’s network and his connections with influential political, business, and social figures.

Committee Chairman James Comer confirmed that Gates was questioned about his interactions with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, while clarifying that Gates is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Jeffrey Epstein, who faced multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Authorities ruled his death a suicide, though the case and his network of contacts continue to be the subject of ongoing scrutiny in the United States.