Bill Gates Discusses Jeffrey Epstein in House Oversight Committee Testimony

Billionaire Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee this month, revealing his suspicion that Jeffrey Epstein considered blackmailing him over extramarital affairs. The interview transcript, released on Tuesday, provides insight into Gates’ perspective on his interactions with the late convicted sex offender. Gates clarified, “He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me,” during his testimony on June 10.

In February, Gates acknowledged to his foundation’s members that he had engaged in two affairs. He also described his association with Epstein as a “huge mistake.” During a town hall meeting with staff, Gates apologized for his link to Epstein after their email exchanges became public, asserting, “I did nothing illicit. I said nothing illicit.”

Gates further informed House members that he knew Epstein had a criminal conviction “of a sexual nature” when they met, and admitted he “probably should have” investigated the specifics further. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida, necessitating his registration as a sex offender. Gates stated that he met Epstein in 2011, and they corresponded through several meetings and emails.

While Gates is not implicated in any misconduct related to Epstein, he told lawmakers that Epstein never introduced him to young women. Following his testimony on June 10, Gates released a statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the House Oversight Committee and address their inquiries. He stated, “I support the release of all the files and hope my participation contributes to getting justice for the victims.”

Additionally, the committee released a transcript of their June 9 interview with Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime secretary. Groff testified that she never observed any illegal activities during her 18 years of employment with Epstein.