An article summarized by People.com:
Bill Gates revealed during closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him using information about affairs he had while married to Melinda French Gates. Gates said Epstein became aware of his infidelities and later tried to use that information, along with what Gates described as fabricated claims, to pressure him into resuming contact. Gates told lawmakers that while the affairs were painful for his family, they had no connection to his interactions with Epstein, and he said Epstein ultimately failed in his effort to gain leverage over him.
Gates explained that he first met Epstein in 2011 after being introduced through trusted professional and philanthropic contacts. At the time, Epstein claimed he could help raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives and connect Gates to wealthy donors interested in philanthropy. Gates said he participated in a handful of meetings between 2011 and 2014 focused on charitable giving structures and fundraising opportunities, but eventually realized Epstein could not deliver on his promises. After a donor gathering in 2014 failed to produce any meaningful support, Gates said he ended the relationship and ceased all communication. He stressed that no charitable vehicle was ever created and no funds were raised as a result of their discussions.
Throughout his testimony, Gates repeatedly described his association with Epstein as a “grave error in judgment” and expressed regret for lending him any credibility. He acknowledged that he was naive about the full extent of Epstein’s crimes when they first met and said he should have exercised greater scrutiny. Gates maintained that he never visited Epstein’s private island, Florida home, or ranch, never witnessed any illegal conduct, and was unaware of the extent of Epstein’s criminal behavior at the time. The testimony comes as Congress continues examining Epstein’s network of powerful associates, though House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized that Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing and appeared voluntarily to assist the investigation. Gates said the experience taught him an important lesson about how influential people can be manipulated by individuals seeking legitimacy and access.
