Bill Gates told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to pressure him by using information about his extramarital affairs, as the Microsoft co-founder testified privately before a congressional committee investigating the late convicted sex offender.
Gates said he “did not fully understand the extent” of Epstein’s crimes when he associated with him while discussing efforts to raise money for philanthropic work. He also said he never witnessed criminal behavior by Epstein.
Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer (R-KY) speaks to the media as he arrives to attend a closed door interview with Bill Gates before the House Oversight Committee investigating late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said in his opening statement, according to a copy released after the testimony.
As reported in Reuters, Gates said Epstein used knowledge of his personal life, along with what he described as false claims, in an attempt to pressure him into continuing contact.
Gates questioned over Epstein relationship
The closed-door testimony was conducted by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is examining the U.S. Justice Department’s handling of investigations involving Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Bill Gates arrives for a closed door interview before the House Oversight Committee investigating late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to a felony prostitution charge and served 13 months in jail. In 2019, federal prosecutors charged him with sex trafficking of minors. He denied the charges and died later that year in what authorities ruled a suicide before his trial.
Documents released by the Justice Department this year showed that Gates and Epstein had multiple meetings after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The documents indicated that their discussions involved expanding Gates’ philanthropic efforts.
FILE PHOTO: Bill Gates appears with a woman, whose identity has been obscured, in this image from the Epstein estate released by House Oversight Committee Democrats in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 18, 2025. House Oversight Committee Democrats/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. REDACTED AREA FROM SOURCE./File Photo
The files also included photographs of Gates with women whose faces were redacted. Gates has previously said his meetings with Epstein were limited to philanthropy-related discussions and described his decision to meet with him as a mistake.
Bill Gates appears with a woman, whose identity has been obscured, in this image from the Epstein estate released by House Oversight Committee Democrats in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 18, 2025. House Oversight Committee Democrats/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. REDACTED AREA FROM SOURCE.
Epstein files draw scrutiny from lawmakers
The congressional investigation is examining several issues connected to Epstein, including government handling of investigations, plea agreements, his death, efforts to combat sex trafficking and delays in releasing government records.
The Gates Foundation has also said it began an external review of its engagement with Epstein after documents showed communication between Epstein and foundation staff.
Bill Gates arrives for a closed door interview before the House Oversight Committee investigating late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
A spokesperson for the foundation said Gates had “taken responsibility for his actions” during a February town hall meeting with employees.
