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Bill Gates Testifies in Jeffrey Epstein Inquiry, Denies Knowledge of Crimes

Bill Gates told the U.S. House Oversight Committee he had no awareness of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activity and called their past association a “serious mistake.”

Bill Gates told the U.S. House Oversight Committee that he had never seen or received any indication that Jeffrey Epstein was involved in criminal conduct, during a closed-door deposition linked to the ongoing congressional inquiry into the case.

“I have never visited his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never engaged in any conduct that caused anyone to become a victim,” Gates said in his opening statement, according to the testimony transcript.

He also stated that Epstein had learned details of his private life, including his marital infidelity, and attempted to use that information to build a personal relationship. Gates said he was never interested in such a relationship and described those interactions as separate from Epstein’s criminal behavior.

Gates explained that he was introduced to Epstein in 2011, when the financier claimed he could help raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives connected to the Gates Foundation. He acknowledged being aware that Epstein had previous legal issues, but said he did not fully understand the extent of his crimes at the time and accepted the introduction without conducting sufficient checks.

“I should not have met Epstein,” Gates said, adding that it was a “serious error of judgment.” He also testified that Epstein later attempted, unsuccessfully, to use personal information about him to resume contact after their relationship ended in December 2014.

The deposition followed a formal request from Republican Congressman James Comer, chair of the committee, citing Gates’ frequent mention in documents released by the Department of Justice as part of the Epstein investigation. According to those records, Epstein maintained connections with prominent figures across technology, finance, and politics, many of whom have denied involvement in his crimes.

Documents reviewed by investigators reportedly include calendar entries of meetings between Gates and Epstein, email correspondence regarding philanthropic projects, and photographs from public events attended by Gates. Their professional interaction is documented as beginning in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor, and continuing at least until late 2014.

Epstein was formally indicted in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he operated a network involving underage girls, some as young as 14, who were abused between 2002 and 2005. He died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the case. He reiterated that his meetings with Epstein were strictly focused on philanthropic discussions and described the association as a major mistake.

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