Bill Gates Tells Epstein Panel He ‘Never Victimized Anyone’
Bill Gates Testifies Before House Oversight Committee on Epstein Ties
Bill Gates Tells Epstein Panel He Never - In a recent session of the House Oversight Committee, tech magnate Bill Gates provided testimony regarding his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The hearing, held in secret on June 10, 2026, centered on Gates' account of his interactions with Epstein, who was convicted of multiple sex crimes and had a history of alleged misconduct dating back to the early 2000s. Following the closed-door session, Gates shared a transcript of his opening remarks on his personal website, offering a detailed overview of his perspective on the matter.
Testimony Highlights Gates’ Claims of Innocence
During his statement, Gates asserted that he had no direct knowledge of Epstein’s ongoing criminal activities. "I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in persistent criminal behavior," he stated. He emphasized that he had not visited Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida home and that he had never harmed anyone. However, he acknowledged that his decision to meet with Epstein was questionable. "I should not have met with him at all," Gates said, reflecting on his actions with hindsight.
"Based on what I now know, even if Epstein had fulfilled his promises to secure new donors, it wouldn’t have justified the relationship we maintained," Gates added.
The testimony comes amid the release of thousands of documents by the Department of Justice, dubbed the "Epstein files." These records include calendar entries, emails, and photographs that outline Gates’ involvement with Epstein. Among the documents are notes about meetings between the two men, as well as communications about their shared philanthropy initiatives. These materials have sparked renewed scrutiny into Gates’ role in Epstein’s network, particularly during the early years of their partnership.
Gates’ Timeline of Meetings with Epstein
Gates outlined his interactions with Epstein, beginning in 2011. This was three years after Epstein’s initial conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution and during a period marked by growing allegations against him, including those from Virginia Giuffre, a reported victim of sexual trafficking. "Epstein claimed he could raise billions for global health through individuals who benefited from his tax and estate services," Gates explained. While he was aware of Epstein’s legal troubles, he admitted he underestimated the severity of the crimes.
The billionaire described three initial meetings in 2011, followed by two in 2012. These were followed by "more extensive conversations" in 2013 and 2014, which he said eventually stalled. "Our discussions on philanthropy reached a dead end, and no funds were successfully raised," he stated. Gates noted that their relationship ended in December 2014, several years before recent revelations about Epstein’s crimes became public.
Epstein’s Use of Personal Information Against Gates
Gates revealed that Epstein had used personal details about his marital infidelities as leverage in their relationship. "Epstein inserted himself into the resignation process of an employee in my private office, which led to exchanges with my team and me," he said. "It was then I learned he had access to sensitive information about my personal life, including my affairs." He stressed that the affairs were unrelated to his work with Epstein but had caused emotional distress for his family.
"As the public now sees from the released files, Epstein aimed to use my infidelities alongside other lies to pressure me back into collaboration," Gates explained.
The Epstein files also include a 2013 draft email in which Epstein suggested he had helped Gates manage the fallout from extramarital affairs and secure antibiotics after a sexually transmitted infection. Gates has previously called this email a fabrication, denying any implication that he had relied on Epstein for personal or professional support during his marital issues.
Committee Expands Inquiry Into Epstein Network
The House Oversight Committee, which has been examining Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell since 2025, has plans to summon additional high-profile witnesses. Chairman James Comer, a Republican congressman, stated that the hearings are focused on understanding how the government failed to address the crimes committed by Epstein and his accomplices. "This investigation is about the survivors and uncovering the gaps in our system," Comer said ahead of the June 10 hearing.
Several notable figures have already testified, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Comer announced that he intends to question prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz in the upcoming sessions. Additionally, he has reached out to the Justice Department to invite acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to appear before the committee as well.
Context and Implications of the Testimony
Gates’ testimony provides a glimpse into the early stages of his partnership with Epstein, shedding light on the dynamics of their relationship. While he maintains that he never victimized anyone, his acknowledgment of Epstein’s influence on his personal life has raised questions about the extent of his involvement in the network. The committee’s focus on Epstein’s criminal activities and the role of key figures like Gates underscores the ongoing efforts to piece together the full story of the scandal.
The release of the Epstein files has been a critical development in the investigation, offering evidence that connects Gates to Epstein’s operations. The documents not only reveal the frequency of their meetings but also the nature of their discussions, which initially appeared focused on philanthropy. However, the emergence of personal details in these files has added a new layer to the inquiry, suggesting a more complex relationship between the two men.
Gates’ statements, while clear in their denial of direct wrongdoing, highlight the importance of contextual understanding in evaluating his ties to Epstein. His admission that he did not scrutinize Epstein’s background sufficiently before engaging with him has been seen as a turning point in the narrative. The committee’s continued pursuit of new witnesses indicates a determination to explore all possible angles of Epstein’s influence and the systems that allowed his crimes to persist for years.
As the investigation progresses, the testimonies and documents continue to shape the public’s perception of Gates’ role in the scandal. The committee’s approach, which blends historical records with personal accounts, aims to present a comprehensive view of Epstein’s activities and the individuals who were entangled in them. Gates’ participation in this process has placed him at the center of a broader conversation about accountability, transparency, and the intersection of personal and professional relationships in high-profile cases.
With the House Oversight Committee set to continue its hearings, the spotlight remains on Epstein’s legacy and the individuals who collaborated with him. Gates’ testimony, combined with the newly publicized documents, offers a foundation for further exploration of the networks that facilitated his crimes. The ongoing inquiry serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring that public figures are held to account for their actions, both professional and personal.