Billionaire Bill Gates told members of the House Oversight Committee that he had no knowledge ofJeffrey Epstein’s crimes and that Epstein attempted to use information about his personal life — including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage — to pressure him, according to a copy of his opening remarks obtained by CNN.
“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated,” Gates said Wednesday, according to his prepared remarks. “I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”
Gates said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 and that the late convicted sex offender promised he could raise billions of dollars for global health. “I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” he told lawmakers.
Gates characterized his interactions with Epstein as “limited,” and testified that they ended altogether in December 2014.
“He admitted that he knew of Mr. Epstein’s reputation. He admitted that he knew that he [Epstein] had been convicted of sexual crimes, but ultimately, in his words, he viewed this narrow relationship as being an acceptable means to access wealthy donors,” Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury said of Gates’ testimony during a break in the questioning.
The Microsoft co-founder also alleged in his testimony that Epstein tried to use what he knew about his infidelities — “in addition to many lies that he layered on top” — to pressure him to re-engage with him after their contact had ended.
“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda. I should never have met with Epstein in the first place,” Gates said, according to his prepared remarks.
Meeting Epstein, he told lawmakers, marked a “grave error in judgement” on his part.
Gates’ testimony behind closed doors comes after the release of theJeffrey Epstein filesthis year raised questions about his ties to the late convicted sex offender. Marking the committee’s 15th interview, Gates’ in-person appearance on Capitol Hill was one of the most high-profile appearances before congressional investigators to date.
After hours behind closed doors, the Microsoft co-founder departed through a throng of reporters and protesters. He didn’t answer shouted questions from members of the media, but later said in a statement that he “appreciated the opportunity to meet with the House Oversight Committee today and to answer all of their questions.”
“I support the release of all the files and hope my participation contributes to getting justice for the victims,” Gates continued.
House Oversight Chair James Comer told CNN ahead of Gates’ appearance that there were no limitations in terms of the scope of questions for the interview.
“Anything’s on the table,” the Kentucky Republican added, noting that while Gates may not be “eager” to testify, he is “willing” to speak.
At one point during questioning, however, Gates’ lawyer told lawmakers that the billionaire would not answer questions about his extramarital affairs that are not related to the Epstein case, according to a person in the room.
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the panel, characterized Gates as being “a little bit combative” during the interview but ultimately “cooperative.”
