Bill Gates told a US House committee on Wednesday that his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was a “grave error in judgement.”
In an opening statement provided to The Associated Press, the Microsoft co-founder admitted he “should never have met with Epstein in the first place.” However, he maintained that he “never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.”
Gates, who testified voluntarily, expressed his hope that his appearance would assist the House Oversight Committee in finding justice for victims.
The committee’s chairman, Republican US Representative James Comer, formally requested the testimony after Gates appeared in Department of Justice documents related to the Epstein probe.
Comer clarified to reporters that the interview was focused on government failures and survivors, stating, “no one’s accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing.”
Congress probes Gates’ association with Epstein
Documents under review by lawmakers include calendar entries, emails regarding philanthropic projects, and photographs of Gates at events attended by Epstein.
The relationship reportedly began in 2011-three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor and continued until at least late 2014.
Gates said he was introduced to Epstein through professional and philanthropic circles, attracted by claims that Epstein could raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives. He ended the relationship in 2014 after concluding Epstein would not deliver on those promises.
Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island or other properties.
“I have never victimized anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated,” he added.
Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, have acknowledged that the association created tension in their marriage.
The Gates Foundation confirmed that while a small number of employees met Epstein based on his claims of mobilising philanthropic resources, no charitable fund was created, and no payments were made to him.
The inquiry follows a February deposition of former President Bill Clinton, who faced six hours of questioning regarding his own past ties to Epstein.
The former Democratic president said he saw no signs of Epstein’s sexual abuse and stopped associating with him long before Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea. Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
While Democrats on the committee have pushed for testimony from former President Donald Trump, Chairman Comer plans to call attorney Alan Dershowitz and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for questioning.
