Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday expressed regret over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and that he did not know about his crimes. In a closed-door meeting with the House Oversight Committee, he alleged that Epstein tried to use information about his personal life, including that about extramarital affairs, to pressure him.
What did Bill Gates reveal to lawmakers during testimony?
The billionaire philanthropist made the remarks while being questioned by lawmakers about his relationship with the disgraced financier. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while facing trial on sex trafficking charges involving minor girls. As the hearing began, Gates claimed that he never witnessed any criminal conduct by Epstein. “I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct,” CNN quoted him as saying.
Gates denied any wrongdoing: ‘I never went to his island’
Lawmakers continued the Epstein files probe and the network of influential people who interacted with the convicted sex offender. During the hearing, the former Microsoft chief also denied any wrongdoing and sought to distance himself from Epstein. “I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone,” he said.
Billionaire claims Epstein tried to blackmail him
According to a copy of his remarks, Gates said he was unaware of the full extent of Epstein’s crimes when the two met over philanthropic and fundraising matters. “These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family. 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,” he added.
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First published on: Jun 11, 2026 08:59 AM IST
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Sheetal Prasad
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