Bill Gates says Epstein knew about his infidelity to ex Melinda and tried to use it against him

WASHINGTON, DC: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told members of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to use knowledge of his personal life, including marital infidelity, to pressure him after their friendship ended.

Gates said his interactions with Epstein were limited, centered on discussions about philanthropy and global health funding, and ended in 2014. Gates also told lawmakers he never witnessed or had any indication of Epstein’s criminal conduct and denied having a personal relationship with the financier.

Gates says Epstein tried to use personal information against him

In his testimony, Gates said Epstein became aware of sensitive details about his personal life, including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage. He said the information was unrelated to their interactions but was later used by Epstein in an attempt to re-establish contact.

“I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said.

In his remarks Gates alleged that Epstein later attempted to leverage that information.

“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda. I should never have met with Epstein in the first place,” Gates said

Gates says Epstein promised fundraising support 

Gates, in his prepared remarks told lawmakers he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through discussions centered on global health and philanthropy.

“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated,” Gates said.

Gates testified that Epstein claimed he could help raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives. He acknowledged being aware that Epstein had faced legal issues before their introduction but said he did not fully understand the scope of Epstein’s crimes at the time.

“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates said.

The billionaire described his interactions with Epstein as limited and said he stopped communicating with him in December 2014 after concluding that promised fundraising efforts would not materialize.

Rep Robert Garcia (D-Calif), the ranking Democrat on the panel, said Gates was “a little bit combative” at times but remained cooperative throughout the interview. “He is pushing back on certain things. I think you’ll see that in the transcript. But he’s answering the questions,” Garcia said.

After the interview, Gates issued a statement saying he appreciated the opportunity to answer lawmakers’ questions. “I support the release of all the files and hope my participation contributes to getting justice for the victims,” he said.