Bill Gates says Epstein blackmailed him over affairs in US testimony

Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight and Reform Committee, stating he did not fully grasp the seriousness of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes when he engaged with the convicted sex offender to discuss philanthropy. Gates said Epstein pressed him by threatening to reveal Gates’s extramarital affairs, adding, “Those relationships had nothing to do with my exchanges with Epstein, but they hurt my family. Epstein used the information to pressure me to reconnect.”

Gates confirmed he never witnessed Epstein committing any illegal acts, and he hired former senior committee investigator Jake Greenberg to prepare for the hearing. He acknowledged multiple meetings with Epstein after the latter’s 2008 conviction, aimed at expanding charitable initiatives. The Gates Foundation has launched an independent external review of its communications with Epstein, and a spokesperson said Gates has taken responsibility for his actions.

The congressional inquiry also examines how the Justice Department handled the Epstein case, including plea agreements, the circumstances of Epstein’s 2019 death, and broader failures in combating sexual trafficking. Released DOJ documents reveal extensive email exchanges between Epstein, Gates, and foundation staff, highlighting the wider network of high‑profile contacts linked to Epstein.