Bill Gates testifies to Congress about possible Jeffrey Epstein blackmail over affairs

Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 and discussed his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He said the interactions, which began in 2011 and ended in 2014, were aimed at securing support for his global‑health philanthropy.

During the hearing Gates disclosed that he had engaged in three extramarital affairs and acknowledged that emails from Epstein suggested the possibility of blackmail. He stated, “He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me.” Gates denied ever visiting Epstein’s island, meeting victims, or being involved in criminal conduct, and said the affair controversy contributed to his divorce.

Gates expressed regret for meeting Epstein, calling the relationship “foolish,” and emphasized that the alleged blackmail never occurred.