Bill Gates Tells Congress Epstein Used Knowledge of His Affairs to Apply Pressure

Bill Gates told members of the US Congress on Wednesday that he “did not fully understand the extent” of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein when he associated with the late financier to raise funds for his philanthropic work.

The testimony from Bill Gates forms part of an ongoing congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network of contacts and the handling of related investigations by the US government.

Gates said he never witnessed any criminal conduct by Epstein. However, he accused the financier of attempting to blackmail him by exploiting knowledge of his extramarital affairs.

“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said in a prepared statement. “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.”

Congress has been examining the US Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case, including its earlier prosecutions and subsequent decisions. Epstein had been accused of exploiting women and girls from vulnerable backgrounds.

Gates gave his testimony privately to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is investigating possible federal mismanagement in the cases against Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Committee chairman James Comer had previously asked Gates to appear for a transcribed interview.

Gates also hired lawyer Jake Greenberg to assist in preparing for his appearance, according to reports.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a state prostitution-related offence in Florida and served 13 months in jail. He was later charged federally in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors but died by suicide that year before trial.

Documents released by the US Justice Department indicated that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein’s release from prison, primarily to discuss philanthropic initiatives. Some materials also included photographs of Gates with women whose faces were redacted.

Gates has previously said his contact with Epstein was limited to philanthropy-related discussions and has acknowledged it was a mistake to meet him. A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said Gates had “taken responsibility for his actions” in internal discussions.

The inquiry also covers broader issues including prosecutorial decisions, plea deals, Epstein’s death, and delays in releasing government files. The US Justice Department’s handling of the case remains under scrutiny.

The case has drawn renewed attention to Epstein’s extensive social and professional connections, which included figures across politics, finance, academia and business, among them Donald Trump.

Former attorney general Pam Bondi also faced criticism over aspects of the handling of the case.

The Justice Department has released millions of documents relating to Epstein in recent years, intensifying political debate over transparency and accountability in one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent US history.

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