CO-FOUNDER of Microsoft and philanthropist Bill Gates told members of the US Congress on June 10 that he “did not fully understand the extent” of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes when he associated with the late convicted sex offender in connection with fundraising efforts for his charitable foundation.
Appearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Bill Gates said he never witnessed any criminal behaviour during his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.
“I did not fully understand the extent of his criminal conduct,” Gates said, according to a copy of his opening statement. He also stated: “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.”
Reuters reported that Gates further alleged that Epstein attempted to exploit his personal life.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” he said. “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 told lawmakers he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes at the time of their meetings and reiterated that he never observed any illegal conduct.
Congressional investigators are examining the US Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein case, including prosecutions, plea deals and the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death, alongside scrutiny of his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Documents released by federal authorities in 2026 reportedly showed that Gates and Epstein met on multiple occasions after Epstein’s 2008 release from prison to discuss philanthropic initiatives linked to the Gates Foundation. The material also included photographs of Gates with women whose faces had been redacted.
Gates has previously acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein was a mistake and has said their interactions were limited to philanthropy-related discussions.
The broader congressional inquiry by the House committee also covers alleged failures in combating sex trafficking and questions over the timing and transparency of federal disclosures related to Epstein’s network, which included contacts across politics, business and academia, among them US President Donald Trump.
Separately, Epstein’s case continues to draw scrutiny following earlier investigations into his plea agreement in Florida in 2008 and his federal charges in 2019, which ended after his death while awaiting trial, ruled a suicide.
Gates also accused Epstein of leveraging sensitive personal information to exert pressure on him, stating he was targeted over private extramarital matters in what he described as an attempt at coercion.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee continues to review how authorities handled Epstein’s prosecution, detention and death, as well as the release of related government files that have implicated a range of high-profile figures across global industries. - June 11, 2026
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