Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a closed-door hearing that his meetings with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein were a mistake, while firmly denying witnessing or participating in any illegal activity.
Gates: I never grasped the full scope of Epstein's crimes
According to Gates' opening statement, he first met Epstein in 2011 through professionally trusted contacts, with discussions centered on potential donations to the Gates Foundation and global health programs. "I should never have met with Epstein in the first place," Gates said, adding that no amount of promised donations would have justified the association. Epstein claimed he could raise hundreds of millions of dollars from people connected to his tax and estate work, but Gates noted that no charitable vehicle was created and no funds were raised.
Gates disclosed three meetings with Epstein in 2011 and two in 2012, with later talks in 2013 and 2014 focusing on donor-advised funds. By 2014, Gates concluded Epstein would not deliver on his promises and severed all communication and meetings.
Gates said he knew Epstein had prior legal issues but "did not know the full extent of his crimes." He acknowledged he accepted the introduction without the scrutiny he should have applied. Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to charges involving solicitation of a minor for prostitution and died in federal custody in New York in 2019.
"I have never victimized anyone," Gates stated in his written testimony. He also said Epstein may have sought a personal relationship but Gates never reciprocated. Epstein later obtained sensitive information about Gates' personal life and attempted to use those details and false claims to pressure him.
Gates denied ever visiting Epstein's private island, ranch, or Florida home, and said he never witnessed signs of ongoing criminal conduct during their interactions.
Lawmakers continue Epstein document review
The House Oversight Committee questioned Gates for nearly four hours behind closed doors on Wednesday, a day after interviewing Epstein's former executive assistant Lesley Groff. Gates left the hearing around 3:50 p.m. ET without answering reporters' questions. Committee Chairman James Comer said lawmakers may invite Epstein's former attorney Alan Dershowitz to testify. Rep. Robert Garcia noted that the panel wanted to understand who moved inside Epstein's circle and planned questions about emails linking Gates and Epstein.
Gates expressed support for releasing all Epstein-related files and said survivors of Epstein's crimes deserve justice. He acknowledged the association endangered the Gates Foundation's work, which previously commissioned an external review of its past ties with Epstein.
A transcript of Gates' testimony is expected in the coming days. This hearing is part of Congress' ongoing effort to examine Epstein's connections to wealthy and powerful figures.