Content Advisory: This article discusses Jeffrey Epstein, alleged trafficking, infidelity, blackmail claims, and congressional testimony. Reader discretion is advised.
Bill Gates has made a new claim about Jeffrey Epstein.
The Microsoft founder testified before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 as lawmakers continued examining the federal government’s handling of the Epstein case. During that testimony, Gates alleged that Epstein tried to pressure him using private information about his marriage.
Gates, 70, said Epstein became aware of “sensitive information” about his personal life, including the fact that Gates had been unfaithful while married to Melinda Gates.
“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 prepared testimony. He added, “These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”
Gates Says Epstein Tried To Use His Affairs Against Him
Gates told lawmakers that Epstein tried to use the information after Gates had cut off contact with him.
According to Gates, Epstein mixed real details about his private life with false claims in an attempt to pull him back into contact.
“As the public can now see, based on what has been released in the files, 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,” Gates said.
“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,” he continued.
Gates’ name has appeared in released Epstein-related materials, including messages in which Epstein made claims about Gates’ private life.
Gates has denied having direct knowledge of, or involvement in, Epstein’s criminal activity.
Gates Called Meeting Epstein A ‘Grave Error’
Gates said he first became acquainted with Epstein in 2011, when Epstein offered to help raise money for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That introduction came after Epstein had already completed a jail sentence connected to his 2008 guilty plea involving prostitution-related charges.
Gates told lawmakers he knew Epstein had faced legal trouble, but said he did not understand the full severity of the crimes.
“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed,” Gates said. “I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have.” He added, “I should never have met with Epstein.” Gates also said he “never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.”
He Denied Visiting Epstein’s Homes
Gates denied visiting Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion or private Caribbean island, both of which became central locations in the wider Epstein case.
“I have never victimized anyone,” Gates told the committee.
He also pushed back against the idea that he and Epstein were friends. “While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated,” Gates said.
According to Gates, he ended contact with Epstein in 2014 after deciding Epstein would not deliver on promises to help secure philanthropic support. “I told him we would go no further and stopped communicating or meeting with him,” Gates said.
Gates Said He Is ‘Deeply Sorry’
Gates described his dealings with Epstein as “a grave error in judgment.”
He said Epstein’s conduct went against the work Gates has tried to do through philanthropy. “His behavior was antithetical to all my efforts to contribute to a world where everyone has a chance to live a healthy and productive life,” Gates said. He added, “If the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry.”
The testimony marks another uncomfortable chapter in Gates’ long-running effort to explain why he met with Epstein after the financier’s earlier conviction. This time, Gates went further than regret. He claimed Epstein tried to use his marriage secrets against him.
That allegation now puts the Epstein connection back in the spotlight, with Gates insisting the contact was a mistake and that the attempted pressure campaign failed.
