Bill Gates calls meeting with Jeffrey Epstein a grave error in congressional testimony

Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates appeared before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a closed‑door hearing. He said he first met financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 while seeking philanthropic donors, but “did not fully understand the severity and scope” of Epstein’s crimes. Gates described the relationship as a “grave error in judgment,” noting that he never witnessed illegal conduct, never visited Epstein’s island, ranch or Florida home, and had no knowledge of ongoing criminal activity.

Gates said Epstein later tried to leverage sensitive information about Gates’s extramarital affairs to pressure him into continued contact, an attempt that “failed.” The billionaire cut ties in December 2014 after realizing the promised fundraising would not materialize. He expressed regret, hoping his testimony will aid the committee’s investigation and help bring justice to Epstein’s victims. The hearing follows the release of millions of Department‑of‑Justice documents that detail numerous meetings and communications between Gates and Epstein.

Gates affirmed that no charitable fund was ever created, no donations were received through Epstein, and the Gates Foundation remains reviewing its past interactions.