Bill Gates testifies Epstein tried to use his extramarital affairs to pressure him

Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as lawmakers continued their investigation into the handling of the Epstein case and the network of influential people who interacted with the disgraced financier.

In Short

• Gates denies any personal bond and rejects visiting Epstein's private properties
• Says he ended his contact with disgraced financier in 2014
• Lawmakers continue probing Epstein's influence and government handling

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a congressional committee on Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein tried to use information about his extramarital affairs to pressure him into renewing contact after their relationship had ended. He appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as lawmakers continued their investigation into the handling of the Epstein case and the network of influential people who interacted with the disgraced financier.

According to a copy of his statement cited by Reuters, Gates said he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein's crimes when the two met over philanthropic matters.

"These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family," Gates said.

"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 added.

GATES DENIES PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH EPSTEIN

During the closed-door testimony, Gates insisted that his dealings with Epstein centred on discussions about philanthropy and fundraising. He denied having a personal relationship with the disgraced financier.

"I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone," Gates told lawmakers.

"While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated."

According to Gates, the relationship began in 2011, several years after Epstein had served a jail sentence in Florida for soliciting prostitution. The Microsoft founder said the discussions focused on potential support for global health and charitable initiatives linked to his foundation.

Gates told lawmakers that Epstein never held any role within the foundation and was never promised compensation. He said he ended contact in 2014 after realising efforts to secure philanthropic support through Epstein had reached a dead end.

"At that point, I concluded Epstein would never deliver on his promises," Gates said. "I told him we would go no further and stopped communicating or meeting with him."

Gates also told the committee that he never witnessed Epstein engaged in criminal conduct and had no indication of ongoing illegal activity during their interactions.

LAWMAKERS EXAMINE EPSTEIN'S INFLUENCE

The hearing formed part of a wider congressional review of the government's handling of investigations into Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Lawmakers have been examining issues ranging from plea agreements and prosecution decisions to the release of government files connected to the case.

Gates became one of several high-profile figures questioned by the bipartisan committee. Members sought details about his interactions with Epstein and what he knew about the financier's background at the time.

He also expressed support for Epstein's victims.

"I hope the survivors of Epstein's crimes can get the justice that they deserve," Gates said.

The committee's review follows the release of millions of pages of Justice Department records related to Epstein. The documents detailed his connections to influential figures across politics, business, academia and finance. Gates has denied any wrongdoing and has previously said he made a mistake by meeting Epstein and should have scrutinised his background more carefully.

QUESTIONS OVER WHY CONTACT CONTINUED

Committee members from both parties questioned Gates about why he continued meeting Epstein despite the financier's prior criminal conviction being publicly known. Representative Robert Garcia, the committee's top Democrat, said after the hearing that Gates acknowledged knowing Epstein had previously been convicted.

Meanwhile, Republican Representative Tim Burchett described Epstein as a "friend collector" who sought relationships with prominent individuals to enhance his own influence.

"It's pretty clear to me, though, that Epstein was a friend collector. He just liked to have people around him that were big deal and get his picture made with them and hang out with them, and I think that's how he reeled them," Burchett said.

Democratic Representative Emily Randall said the testimony suggested some people who associated with Epstein may have overlooked warning signs.

"Some of his answers show us that many of the men who engaged with Jeffrey Epstein only saw what they wanted to see in their interactions," Randall said.

The committee's investigation remains ongoing as lawmakers continue reviewing witness testimony, government records and decisions made by federal authorities throughout the Epstein case.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies