Bill Gates testifies on Jeffrey Epstein ties amid congressional investigation
Consensus Summary
Bill Gates testified before the US House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026, addressing his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein amid a congressional investigation into the late sex offenderâs connections with powerful figures. Gates denied any involvement in Epsteinâs crimes, stating he never witnessed or participated in illegal conduct, and called his interactions with Epstein a 'huge mistake.' He admitted to meeting Epstein in 2011 at the urging of trusted contacts, believing the financier could raise funds for global health projects, but their collaboration ended in 2014 without any donations. Gates acknowledged he was aware of Epsteinâs prior legal troubles but failed to conduct adequate background checks. Both sources confirm Gates flew with Epstein, met in multiple countries, and never visited Epsteinâs private island. The testimony followed the Justice Departmentâs release of millions of Epstein-related documents, which included mentions of Gates and his foundationâs limited engagement with Epstein. Gates apologized for his past association and expressed regret, while the Gates Foundation announced an ongoing external review of its past interactions with Epstein. Lawmakers reportedly received some new information about Epsteinâs associates, though Gatesâs testimony did not yield significant revelations according to Republican lawmakers.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Bill Gates testified before the US House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026, in a closed-door session about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Gates denied having 'victimised anyone' and stated he never witnessed or had any indication of Epstein's ongoing criminal conduct.
- Gates first met Epstein in 2011 and their interactions ended in December 2014, with no money raised or donations vehicle created.
- Gates acknowledged he was introduced to Epstein by trusted professional and philanthropic contacts, believing Epstein could raise billions for global health projects.
- The House Oversight Committee requested Gatesâs appearance in March 2026 after the Justice Department released millions of Epstein-related documents.
- Gates admitted he flew on a private jet with Epstein and met in Washington, New York, France, and Germany, but never stayed overnight or visited Epsteinâs private island.
- Gates called his interactions with Epstein a 'huge mistake' and apologized for his past association, stating he was 'foolish' to meet with Epstein.
- The Gates Foundation confirmed it commissioned an external review of past engagement with Epstein, with results expected this summer.
- Gates denied allegations in a 2013 draft email suggesting Epstein helped manage fallout from his extramarital affairs, calling the email 'fake'.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Gates said he supported the release of Epstein files and hoped survivors would receive justice, contrasting with Donald Trumpâs opposition to their release.
- A picture of Gates with an unknown woman was released by the House Oversight Committee Democrats in December 2025.
- Republican congressman Tim Burchett suggested Gates appeared 'well-coached' and revealed little, while Democrat Robert Garcia said Gates provided information about other Epstein associates.
- Gates acknowledged Epstein learned sensitive personal information, including his infidelities, and used it to pressure him to re-engage.
- Gatesâs spokesperson stated he 'welcomes the opportunity to appear before the committee' and said he 'never witnessed or participated in any of Epsteinâs illegal conduct'.
- The Gates Foundation confirmed emails between Epstein and some of Gatesâs former advisers and staff were included in the released documents.
- Gates apologized to employees in a February 2026 town-hall meeting for his past ties to Epstein, acknowledging he had two extramarital affairs that Epstein later discovered.
- Gates described spending time with Epstein as a 'huge mistake' and said he continued receiving emails from Epstein after 2014, which he did not answer.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states Gates called the 2013 draft email 'fake' and denied the allegations, while the Guardian does not explicitly address the authenticity of the email.
- ABC mentions Gates was introduced to Epstein in 2011 by trusted professional and philanthropic contacts, while the Guardian states he was aware of Epsteinâs prior legal issues but did not fully understand the extent of the crimes.
Source Articles
Bill Gates 'deeply sorry' for Epstein ties in testimony to US politicians
The Microsoft co-founder appeared before a closed-door US House Oversight Committee panel that has been investigating the late sex offender's connections with the rich and powerful.
Bill Gates to face questions from House committee over links to Jeffrey Epstein
Microsoft co-founder to appear in closed-door session as part of lawmakersâ investigation into convicted sex offender Bill Gates is set to testify in front of the House committee on oversight and reform on Wednesday as part of the panelâs investigation into the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Microsoft co-founder will appear in a closed-door session, where lawmakers are expected to question him about his past relationship with Epstein. A transcript of the interview is expected to be