Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein (Photos/Agencies)
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US House of Representatives committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein that his encounters with the ill-fated businessman were a “huge error in judgement,” as lawmakers reviewed his past association with the convicted sex offender.In a written opening statement released to reporters, Gates said he “should never have met with Epstein in the first place” and acknowledged that any contact that might have legitimized Epstein’s image was deeply regrettable.“I now see that he sought to build an image of legitimacy around himself, using his relationships with reputable and influential people to deflect scrutiny and attempt to rehabilitate his reputation.
“If my time with Epstein gave him any credibility, I am deeply sorry,” Gatz said. Gates also told lawmakers that after he ended contact with Epstein, the financier allegedly used “sensitive information about my personal life” to pressure him to reconnect, though he said he saw no evidence that Epstein engaged in ongoing criminal conduct, Bloomberg reported.The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein’s broader network of connections with powerful figures, following the release of Justice Department files detailing his connections to politics, finance and technology.
Lawmakers questioned Gates about meetings that took place between 2011 and 2014, years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to a charge of procuring a minor for prostitution. Epstein later died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.Committee members pointed to emails, calendar entries and documents suggesting discussions about philanthropy, along with Epstein’s unverified claims about Gates’ personal and financial matters.Gates told the committee he believed Epstein often “wrote untrue emails” and denied any knowledge of criminal activity associated with him.Gates said he got to know Epstein through professional and philanthropic networks, initially collaborated with him on ideas for global health funding, and later ended contact when those proposals did not materialize.He had previously said he never visited Epstein’s private island or his estate or interacted with any victims.Lawmakers said Gates voluntarily appeared before the committee, which is examining how Epstein gained access to influential figures despite his criminal record and previous convictions.The investigation also forms part of a broader review into potential failures in federal oversight related to Epstein’s activities.Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors and died in custody the same year.
He had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of procuring a minor for prostitution.The Justice Department released multiple sets of documents over the past year outlining Epstein’s communications through elite networks, with all of the individuals named denying any wrongdoing.Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, said his association with Epstein contributed to the strain in their marriage. Gates has also previously called his dealings with Epstein a “huge mistake” and said he regrets meeting him.
