Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, told US lawmakers that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him over his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of closed-door testimony released on Tuesday.
Testimony Before House Oversight Committee
Gates testified on June 10 before the House oversight committee regarding his friendship with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. The transcript reveals Gates described Epstein's actions as 'veiled' threats aimed at keeping Gates in his circle.
'I was not blackmailed, but you know, as you look at these emails, you know, it looks like Mr Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction,' Gates said, referring to documents from the Epstein case released in January by the US Department of Justice.
Details of Alleged Blackmail Attempt
Under questioning, Gates elaborated: 'He never sent me anything that I would call blackmail.' However, draft emails suggested Epstein 'was sort of rehearsing how either he or he, coaching someone else, might choose to blackmail me, but none of those messages were ever sent to me.'
Gates, 70, had previously released his opening remarks on the day of testimony, stating he was unaware of Epstein's criminal behavior and had 'never victimized anyone.' In late February, he told the Wall Street Journal that his ties to Epstein were a major mistake and admitted to extramarital affairs with two Russian women, denying any involvement with Epstein's activities.
Relationship Timeline and Context
Gates acknowledged his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving minors. Gates said he knew of Epstein's legal troubles but was told Epstein could raise billions for global health—a cause Gates championed.
'I knew that it [the Epstein conviction] was of a sexual nature, but, no, I don't think I knew – dug into the specifics, although I probably should have,' Gates testified.
The mention of a person's name in the Epstein dossier does not imply wrongdoing, but the documents reveal links between Epstein or his associates and public figures who often downplayed such ties.
