Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities to pressure me
Gates revealed Epstein used personal information about his infidelities to pressure him into renewed contact, causing pain to his family. Gates maintained meetings with Epstein after his 2008 conviction, discussing philanthropic projects, which he now acknowledges was an error.
- Gates testified that Epstein used details of his affairs as blackmail to force contact
- Gates and Epstein met multiple times after Epstein's 2008 conviction, discussing philanthropic projects
- Gates hired a former committee investigator to prepare for his congressional deposition
- The Gates Foundation commissioned an external review of the Gates-Epstein relationship
- Congressional investigation examines DOJ handling of Epstein cases and connections to prominent figures
Bill Gates testified to U.S. Congress that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him using information about extramarital affairs. Gates stated he maintained contact with Epstein for philanthropic purposes but was unaware of the full extent of his crimes.
Bill Gates sat before a congressional committee on Wednesday and described how Jeffrey Epstein weaponized personal secrets against him. The Microsoft founder, testifying in closed session to the House Oversight and Reform Committee, laid out a pattern of coercion: Epstein had learned details of Gates's extramarital affairs and used that knowledge as leverage, mixing truth with fabrication to pressure him back into contact. Gates said the financier's tactics caused real damage to his family, even as he insisted the affairs themselves had nothing to do with their professional relationship.
The testimony emerged from a broader congressional investigation into how federal authorities handled the Epstein cases—the 2008 state conviction in Florida for sexual exploitation of minors, the 2019 federal charges for sex trafficking, and the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death in custody in 2019, which authorities classified as suicide. The House committee, chaired by Republican James Comer, had formally requested Gates's presence in March. Gates hired Jake Greenberg, a former lead investigator for the committee itself, to prepare him for the deposition.
Gates and Epstein's relationship spanned years after the 2008 conviction. Documents released by the Department of Justice this year show they met multiple times to discuss philanthropic ventures and social initiatives. Gates has since acknowledged these meetings were a mistake. In February, a Gates Foundation spokesperson said the billionaire had "taken responsibility for his actions" during a meeting with foundation staff. The foundation announced in April that it had commissioned an external review of the Gates-Epstein contacts. Emails released by the Justice Department revealed communication between Epstein and foundation employees as well.
In his opening statement to lawmakers, Gates said he did not fully grasp the scope of Epstein's crimes when they were in contact. "These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family," Gates told the committee. He elaborated: "Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities—along with many lies he added—to pressure me to resume contact with him." Gates stated he never witnessed any criminal activity by Epstein during their encounters over the years.
The congressional inquiry itself is sweeping. It examines how the Department of Justice conducted its investigations and prosecutions, the deals struck by authorities, possible failures in combating sex trafficking, ethical questions, and delays in releasing government documents. The release of millions of internal records by the Justice Department has exposed Epstein's connections to prominent figures across politics, finance, academia, and business. President Donald Trump's name appears in the documents; he and Epstein moved in overlapping social circles during the 1990s and 2000s. The disclosure has intensified debate over what other files remain sealed and when they might become public.
Notable Quotes
These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family— Bill Gates, in testimony to Congress
Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities—along with many lies he added—to pressure me to resume contact with him— Bill Gates, in testimony to Congress
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
Why did Gates keep meeting with Epstein after 2008, when Epstein had already been convicted?
Gates says he was focused on philanthropic work and didn't fully understand the scope of what Epstein had done. He was looking for donors and connections. It's a blind spot that haunts him now.
But Epstein was already a registered sex offender by then. How does that square with not knowing?
That's the tension Congress is probing. Gates claims ignorance about the full criminal picture. Whether that's credible or convenient is what the investigation is really about.
What exactly did Epstein do with the information about Gates's affairs?
He used it as blackmail—threatened to expose them unless Gates stayed in contact with him. It was leverage, pure and simple. Gates says Epstein mixed real details with lies to make the threat more potent.
Did Gates pay anything? Did he give in to the pressure?
The testimony doesn't say he paid money. But he did maintain contact, which is what Epstein wanted. That's the uncomfortable part for Gates—he was being manipulated and he kept showing up.
Why hire a former committee investigator to prepare for testimony?
It's standard practice for high-stakes depositions, but it also signals Gates took this seriously. He wanted to know exactly what Congress was looking for and how to navigate it carefully.
What does this mean for the Gates Foundation's credibility?
They've commissioned an external review and Gates has publicly acknowledged the error. But the foundation's reputation depends on whether donors and partners believe the vetting failures were isolated or systemic.