Bill Gates says Epstein wanted personal relationship, but he ‘never reciprocated’
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has told a U.S. congressional committee that he never had a personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and ended all contact after Epstein failed to secure funding for Gates’ charitable initiatives.
Gates appeared voluntarily before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Wednesday during a closed-door session investigating Epstein’s connections with influential figures. During his testimony, Gates reportedly identified several prominent individuals whom Epstein had approached for fundraising purposes and also addressed issues relating to his past extramarital affairs, claiming Epstein attempted to use that information to pressure him.
Committee members said the testimony reinforced the view that Epstein cultivated relationships with high-profile individuals to enhance his influence and status.
In his opening remarks, Gates maintained that he never witnessed Epstein engaging in criminal activity and had no knowledge of any ongoing offences.
“I never went to his island, ranch, or Florida residence. I have never harmed anyone,” Gates said, adding that while Epstein may have sought a personal friendship, he never reciprocated.
He also expressed hope that victims of Epstein’s crimes would ultimately receive justice.
Gates joins a list of prominent figures questioned by the bipartisan committee, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Howard Lutnick.
Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial, while his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in his crimes.
The scrutiny intensified after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents linked to Epstein earlier this year, in which Gates’ name appeared numerous times alongside photographs showing the two together.
Although Gates has consistently denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct, he reiterated that meeting Epstein was a mistake and said he regrets ever having known him.
Among the documents were draft emails attributed to Epstein containing disputed allegations about Gates’ personal life, including claims involving relationships with women and medical issues. Gates has denied the allegations, though he acknowledged previous affairs with two Russian women.
According to Gates, Epstein later attempted to use information about those affairs, along with what he described as false claims, to pressure him into renewing contact.
Gates told lawmakers that his interactions with Epstein began in 2011, primarily because Epstein claimed he could help attract donors to support global health and philanthropic projects. He said he made it clear from the outset that Epstein would have no role in the operations of the foundation and would not receive compensation.
However, after a 2014 meeting with a group of potential donors assembled by Epstein failed to produce meaningful support, Gates concluded that Epstein could not deliver on his promises and ended all communication with him.
Committee members also questioned Gates about why he continued interacting with Epstein despite his prior conviction and why he did not investigate Epstein’s background more thoroughly. Gates acknowledged that he was aware of some restrictions on Epstein’s movements but admitted he failed to fully examine his history.
Source: BBC
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