Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US congressional committee that late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was aware of several extramarital relationships he had and allegedly attempted to use that information to influence him.
The disclosure came during a private appearance before the US House Oversight Committee as lawmakers continued examining Epstein’s network and associations. Gates was called to testify after newly released Justice Department records renewed attention on his past interactions with Epstein, who died in custody in 2019.
Gates discusses relationships during testimony
During his June 10 testimony, Gates informed lawmakers that Epstein had knowledge of two relationships involving Russian women, bridge player Mila Antonova and nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina.
He later acknowledged a third relationship involving medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt.
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Addressing the committee, Gates said, ‘These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.’
He further alleged that Epstein tried to use information about his personal life to regain access to him, adding, ‘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.’
Gates says maintaining contact was a mistake
Gates reiterated that he had no involvement in any of Epstein’s criminal activities and admitted that continuing to interact with him was an error in judgment.
Explaining why he met Epstein despite being aware of his criminal record, Gates told lawmakers, ‘I know he was convicted. I knew about that. I was willing to take a chance on meeting with him in a limited role.’
According to Gates, most of their discussions revolved around charitable and philanthropic initiatives.
Claims of possible blackmail examined
Committee members also questioned Gates about whether Epstein had attempted to exploit personal information about him.
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Gates suggested that although Epstein never directly blackmailed him, documents reviewed during the investigation raised concerns about the possibility.
He told lawmakers, ‘He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me.’
The remarks were linked to a draft email written by Epstein in 2013 that referenced allegations concerning Gates’ private life and his former adviser, Boris Nikolic.
Email raised concerns about Epstein’s intentions
According to Gates, the communication appeared to indicate that Epstein may have been considering using a combination of accurate and inaccurate information for his own benefit.
Referring to the email, Gates said, ‘Who knows if he ever sent it to Dr. Nikolic, but it looks like he’s musing on using a mixture of facts and falsities as an effort, almost like a blackmail, to advance some goal.’
Investigators examined the correspondence as part of the broader review into Epstein’s relationships and influence.
Gates rejects claims related to STD allegations
Lawmakers also asked Gates about allegations contained in documents connected to the Epstein investigation suggesting he had concerns about a sexually transmitted disease following one of the affairs.
Gates firmly denied ever having an STD and rejected suggestions that he secretly provided medication to anyone.
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He stated, ‘I never had an STD… I may have indicated some concern about whether I had an STD; I don’t recall that. But I never had an STD. I never gave medicines to anyone covertly.’
He added that he may have discussed such concerns with Boris Nikolic but could not specifically remember those conversations.
Details of Gates’ meetings with Epstein
During the testimony, Gates said he met Epstein approximately 12 to 14 times and also participated in two video calls over a period of about four years.
Records released by the Justice Department indicate that some of those meetings occurred after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on sex-related charges.
Gates said Epstein frequently claimed he could introduce him to wealthy individuals who might support philanthropic projects. However, according to Gates, those opportunities never materialised.
Foundation also faces scrutiny
The Justice Department documents also included photographs showing Gates with several women whose identities were redacted.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said Gates had previously acknowledged responsibility for his actions during an internal town hall meeting held in February.
The foundation has also launched an independent review of its past dealings with Epstein. In addition, emails released earlier this year revealed communication between Epstein and certain foundation employees, further expanding scrutiny surrounding the organisation’s historical contacts with the financier.
First published on: Jun 24, 2026 03:30 PM IST
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