Bill Gates testifies before US House committee, says meetings with Jeffrey Epstein were a mistake

Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates appeared before the U.S. House Oversight Committee in a closed‑door session to address the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Gates said he never victimized anyone and described his meetings with the late financier as “a serious misjudgment.” He asserted he was never on Epstein’s island, ranch or Florida home and had no knowledge of ongoing criminal activity.

Gates explained that Epstein tried to leverage sensitive information about Gates’s private life, including his extramarital affair with Melinda French Gates, to pressure him into further collaboration, but the attempt failed. While acknowledging awareness of Epstein’s prior legal troubles, Gates said he did not fully understand the scope of the crimes committed. Committee chair James Comer noted the inquiry aims to determine whether Epstein used his network to blackmail wealthy and influential individuals.

The testimony adds another layer to the high‑profile scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with powerful figures.