Bill Gates has told a House panel that he regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein while seeking support for global health work.
Summary
- Bill Gates said he regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein while seeking support for global health work.
- Gates denied witnessing criminal conduct, visiting Epstein properties, or victimizing anyone.
- Lawmakers continue reviewing Epstein-related files and expect to release Gates’ testimony transcript soon.
The Microsoft co-founder denied witnessing criminal conduct and denied victimizing anyone in his prepared statement. His closed-door testimony came as lawmakers continue reviewing Epstein’s ties to wealthy and powerful figures.
Gates says Epstein meetings were a mistake
According to Bill Gates’ opening statement, he first met Epstein in 2011 through people he trusted professionally. Gates said the meetings focused on possible donations to the Gates Foundation and global health programs.
“I should never have met with Epstein in the first place,” Gates said. He added that any promised donors would not have justified the association. Gates said Epstein claimed he could raise billions of dollars from people connected to his tax and estate work. However, Gates said no charitable vehicle was created and no funds were raised.
He said he held three meetings with Epstein in 2011 and two meetings in 2012. Later talks in 2013 and 2014 focused on possible donor-advised funds. By 2014, Gates said he concluded Epstein would not deliver the promised support. He said he then stopped communicating and meeting with him.
Bill Gates denies seeing criminal conduct
Gates told lawmakers he never saw signs that Epstein engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. He also said he never visited Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida home.
“I have never victimized anyone,” Gates said in the statement. He said Epstein may have sought a personal relationship, but he never reciprocated. Gates said he knew Epstein had prior legal issues, but not the full extent of his crimes. He said he accepted the introduction without the scrutiny he should have applied.
Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to charges linked to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution. He later died in a New York jail in 2019 after federal charges. Gates said Epstein later learned sensitive information about his personal life. He said Epstein tried to use those details and false claims to pressure him.
Lawmakers continue Epstein document review
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee questioned Bill Gates behind closed doors on Wednesday. The committee interviewed Epstein’s former executive assistant, Lesley Groff, a day earlier. Gates left the interview around 3:50 p.m. ET without speaking to reporters. A transcript of his testimony is expected in the coming days.
Committee Chair James Comer said lawmakers may invite attorney Alan Dershowitz to testify. Dershowitz previously represented Epstein in legal matters. Rep. Robert Garcia said lawmakers wanted to understand who moved inside Epstein’s circle. He said the panel planned questions about emails tied to Gates and Epstein.
In his statement, Gates said he supports releasing all Epstein files. He also said survivors of Epstein’s crimes deserve justice. Gates said the association put the Gates Foundation’s work at risk. The foundation previously commissioned an external review of its past ties with Epstein.
