Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been questioned on Capitol Hill about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions behind closed doors as the panel examines the government's handling of the Epstein case and the conduct of those who had ties to him. He was the latest in a series of witnesses to come before the committee. The appearance placed one of the world's best-known billionaires at the centre of the long-running investigation.
Gates did not try to downplay how he now views the association. He told lawmakers that meeting Epstein had been a grave error in judgment, and that the convicted sex offender had put his philanthropic work at risk. The admission set the tone for testimony in which Gates sought to explain how the relationship came about and why he believes he misjudged the situation. It was a striking acknowledgement from a figure whose public identity is closely tied to charitable work.
Explaining how the connection began, Gates said he had been introduced to Epstein through trusted individuals at a time when Epstein was presenting himself as someone establishing a charitable fund. Gates said he was drawn in by Epstein's claims that he could help raise large sums, including billions of dollars, for global health initiatives. Their dealings began in 2011, three years after Epstein's guilty plea in Florida. For Gates, the appeal was the prospect of unlocking major new funding for causes he championed.
Gates was pressed on what he knew about Epstein's history. He acknowledged that he was aware Epstein had a criminal conviction, but said he did not know the details of it at the time. Gates told the committee that he never witnessed, nor had any indication of, Epstein being engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. He also stated plainly that he had never gone to Epstein's island, his ranch, or his Florida home.
He told the panel that the relationship ended once he realised the promised benefits would not materialise. Gates said he cut ties in 2014, after concluding that Epstein could not deliver on what he had claimed. He also acknowledged that he had maintained contact for a time because he believed the narrow relationship was an acceptable means of gaining access to wealthy donors. That explanation went to the heart of why he had stayed in touch despite the warning signs.
The account given to the committee was consistent with what Gates's foundation had said earlier in the year. In a statement in February, the Gates Foundation said a small number of its employees had met with Epstein based on his claims that he could mobilise significant philanthropic resources for global health. The foundation stressed that no charitable fund was ever created with Epstein, and that it made no payments to him. That position framed the relationship as one built on promises that ultimately came to nothing.
Closing his testimony, Gates pointed to the purpose of the committee's work. He said he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the important work of the committee in finding justice for the victims. His appearance is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to scrutinise the network of powerful figures who associated with Epstein. With further witnesses still expected, the committee's investigation into the case and its handling is set to continue.