Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates acknowledged during a closed-door congressional interview that he was unfaithful during his marriage to Melinda French Gates and claimed that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein later attempted to use knowledge of those affairs as leverage against him.
According to prepared testimony provided to House lawmakers, Gates said Epstein became aware of sensitive details about his personal life after the two became acquainted through philanthropic and business-related circles.
“I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage,” Gates said in the statement. “These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”
Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee as part of a broader congressional review examining the government’s handling of investigations involving Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
The interview followed the release of documents that included photographs, emails and records referencing Gates’ past interactions with Epstein.
Gates maintained that he did not engage in any illegal conduct and said he severed ties with Epstein after concluding that the relationship had been a mistake.
According to his testimony, Epstein attempted to exploit information regarding Gates’ personal life in an effort to maintain influence over him after their relationship deteriorated.
Gates alleged that Epstein used the information, along with what he described as false claims, in an unsuccessful attempt to pressure him into continuing contact.
“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,” Gates said.
The billionaire philanthropist said he first met Epstein in 2011 after being told the financier could potentially assist with fundraising efforts connected to global public health initiatives.
At the time, Epstein had already pleaded guilty in Florida to charges involving solicitation of a minor.
Gates testified that while he was aware Epstein had faced legal issues, he did not fully understand the extent of his criminal conduct when they first met.
“I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates said.
He told lawmakers his interactions with Epstein were limited and ended in 2014.
The testimony comes years after Gates publicly described his association with Epstein as a major mistake. Following his divorce in 2021, Melinda French Gates cited Epstein as one factor that contributed to tensions in their marriage and described him publicly as “abhorrent.”
Questions about Gates’ relationship with Epstein intensified after previously undisclosed photographs and emails became public through government document releases and congressional investigations.
Among the records were communications that Gates has disputed, including claims involving his personal relationships and allegations he has repeatedly denied.
Gates has consistently maintained that he never visited Epstein’s private island and never participated in any criminal activity connected to the financier, per the Daily Mail.
Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. He died in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial.
The House Oversight Committee has continued examining records connected to Epstein, Maxwell and individuals who interacted with them over the years.
A transcript of Gates’ congressional interview is expected to be released following committee review. Lawmakers from both parties have indicated they intend to continue questioning witnesses regarding the full scope of Epstein’s network and influence.
