Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates provided closed-door testimony Wednesday to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In an opening statement posted online, Gates said he regretted the meetings. "I should never have met with Epstein in the first place," he said. He added that, "Based on what I know now, I understand that even if he had delivered the new donors he promised" to the Gates Foundation, "it would not have justified associating with him."
Gates told lawmakers he had no recollection or indication of criminal behavior by Epstein. "At the outset, I want to state very clearly: I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct," he said. He further denied ever visiting Epstein's private properties: "I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone." He also said that, while Epstein may have sought a personal relationship, "I was never interested in that and never reciprocated."
Asked about the purpose of his appearance, Gates told reporters before entering the hearing that he hoped his testimony would assist the committee "to find justice for the victims."
The committee has spent months examining Epstein's circle of well-known associates, and Gates testified a day after Lesley Groff, Epstein's former executive assistant, appeared before the panel. Representative James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the committee, told reporters Tuesday that Gates had agreed to testify and had not resisted the invitation.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein had pleaded guilty in Florida state court to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution. Epstein served 13 months in jail related to that conviction.
Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The committee said a full transcript of his testimony will be released within several days.
Context and immediate developments
- Gates appeared behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to answer questions about his ties to Epstein.
- He expressed regret for meeting Epstein and denied any knowledge of criminal conduct or visits to Epstein's private properties.
- The committee's inquiry into Epstein's network continues, with additional witness testimony preceding Gates' appearance.