Bill Gates tells Oversight panel that meeting with Epstein was a 'grave error in judgment'

 

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday told the House Oversight Committee probing the government's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein that Gates "never victimized anyone" and that meeting with Epstein "was a grave error in judgment," according to his prepared opening remarks.

Gates, appearing in a closed-door setting, faced questions about his relationship with the late financier, marking one of the most high-profile interviews conducted by the Oversight Committee since it began probing the government's handling of its investigations into the notorious sex offender. 

Gates told lawmakers that when he first began to engage with Epstein, and throughout the time he spent with him, he was aware that Epstein had a criminal conviction that was sexual in nature, but insisted he did not know the details of Epstein's crimes, according to multiple sources familiar with the interview. Gates told lawmakers that he was not friends with Epstein and that they didn't socialize beyond dinners where Epstein suggested that he could help Gates raise money for philanthropic endeavors. Gates said that no young women were present at the dinners, sources said. 

Included among the millions of documents  this year in response to the Epstein Transparency Act are draft emails where Epstein claimed Gates had extramarital affairs resulting in a sexually transmitted infection --Gates acknowledged having two extramarital affairs that Epstein later learned about. He said that he met those women separately from Epstein and that Epstein never offered women to him, according to sources.  

Gates said that he doesn't know for sure when Epstein first learned about his extramarital affairs, but he believes his former science advisor Boris Nikolic informed Epstein about them, sources said. 

'I have never victimized anyone'

"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," Gates testified in his closed-door appearance, according to a copy of his prepared opening statement.

Gates said that Epstein sought to "foster a personal relationship" with him, but said his focus remained on using Epstein to recruit new donors for Gates' global health initiative.

"My interactions with Epstein began with a limited number of preliminary meetings -- three in 2011 and two in 2012 -- during which I talked about the goals of my work," Gates said, according to his statement. "We began more extensive conversations in 2013 and 2014. The discussions focused on identifying potential giving structures, such as donor-advised funds, and how to enroll individuals he claimed were interested in making significant contributions."Gates said he can "recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues" but added he "did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed," per the statement.

He also told the committee that he Epstein learned "sensitive information about my personal life" -- including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage to Melinda French Gates.

"These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family," Gates said, according to the statement. "As the public can now see, based on what has been released in the files, Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities -- in addition to many lies that he layered on top -- to pressure me to re-engage with him. 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."

In brief remarks to reporters on his way in Wednesday morning, Gates said, "I'll start with an opening statement in the hearing room. I hope my testimony is helpful to the work, important work of the committee to find justice for the victims." Following his appearance, Gates did not answer questions from reporters as he left the Capitol.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee's ranking Democrat, said during a break that Gates was being "cooperative" in answering the committee's questions, but noted at times he was "pushing back.""So far, Mr. Gates has been cooperative and answering our questions," Garcia said.

Garcia said Gates referenced other individuals who were involved with Epstein, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia said "there has been a lot of apologies" from Gates.

"He is sorry he associated with Epstein so much ... but in the end what is done is done," he said.

Comer seeks Blanche appearance

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) first reached out to Gates in March to schedule the behind-closed-doors interview, writing in a letter that the tech billionaire might "have information that will assist in its investigation." In recent weeks, the Committee has conducted similar transcribed interviews with former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Epstein's longtime executive secretary Lesley Groff.