Bill Gates Calls Epstein Relationship ‘Grave Error,’ Denies Wrongdoing at Congressional Hearing

Bill Gates has told US lawmakers he “never victimized anyone” while facing questioning about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein during a House Oversight Committee hearing.

The Microsoft co-founder appeared in a closed-door, transcribed interview as part of an inquiry into Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors.

In prepared remarks released on his website, Gates said: “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 victimized anyone.”

He acknowledged his relationship with Epstein was “a grave error in judgement,” adding, “if the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry.”

The committee invited Gates following the release of Justice Department documents that renewed scrutiny of his contacts with Epstein. Other figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have also been questioned.

Gates emphasised that being mentioned in Epstein-related files “does not indicate evidence of a crime.”

Among the materials reviewed was a 2013 draft email in which Epstein appeared to claim involvement in managing issues linked to Gates’ personal life. Gates has rejected the message as fabricated.

He said he met Epstein in 2011, after Epstein had already pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution, and that Epstein positioned himself as someone who could connect him to wealthy donors for global health initiatives.

“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates said.

Gates said contact ended in December 2014 when it became clear no donor engagement would proceed.

Reports have also suggested his then-wife Melinda French Gates raised concerns in 2013, though he maintained ties for at least another year. She has said remaining questions about Epstein are for Gates and others to address.

Gates further said Epstein became aware of “sensitive information” about his private life, including infidelity, and allegedly tried to use it as leverage. Gates said the attempt failed and that it was unrelated to his dealings with Epstein.

The House Oversight Committee is continuing its broader investigation into Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including scrutiny of how authorities handled the case. The session was not video recorded.

US reports also say Gates was represented by former Justice Department lawyer John Moran and received preparation from former committee investigator Jake Greenberg, raising optics concerns among ethics experts.

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