Bill Gates Tells Congress Epstein Blackmailed Him Over Affairs
The Microsoft co-founder testified in a closed-door House session that he never witnessed Epstein's criminal conduct and was himself a victim of extortion.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday, answering lawmakers' questions about his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The session was closed to the public, but portions of Gates's opening statement and accounts of the questioning have since emerged.
In his opening remarks, Gates told committee members that he "never witnessed nor had any indication" that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct during the period of their association. He also stated flatly, "I have never victimized anyone," framing his appearance as a cooperative effort to assist the committee's broader investigation into Epstein's network.
A significant disclosure from the session was Gates's acknowledgment that Epstein had blackmailed him over extramarital affairs. Gates characterized himself as a target of Epstein's alleged extortion, a claim that adds a new dimension to the known history between the two men and may help explain why Gates continued to associate with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction on state prostitution charges.
The Guardian's account of the testimony focused on Gates's denial of any personal wrongdoing and his stated willingness to cooperate with Congress, emphasizing his assertion of ignorance regarding Epstein's ongoing crimes. NBC News, reporting on the same session, led with the blackmail revelation and the adversarial nature of the questioning, describing Gates as being "grilled" by lawmakers rather than simply deposed.
The two framings reflect a tension in how Gates's appearance is being interpreted: as a cooperative witness distancing himself from Epstein's conduct, or as a powerful figure compelled to account for a relationship whose full contours remain contested. Neither account indicates that lawmakers were satisfied all questions had been answered.
Gates's ties to Epstein have drawn scrutiny for years. Reports first emerged around 2019 that Gates had met repeatedly with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 sex-offender conviction, including visits to Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Gates has previously said he regretted the association. The House committee's investigation is part of a wider congressional effort to map the scope of Epstein's connections to wealthy and influential figures.
It remains unclear what documents or communications the committee has subpoenaed in connection with Gates, or whether additional witnesses in his circle have been called to testify. The blackmail claim, if pursued further, could prompt investigators to examine how Epstein allegedly obtained and used compromising information.
No formal findings have been released by the committee following Wednesday's session. Whether Gates will be asked to return for further questioning, or whether the testimony will be made public in transcript form, has not been announced.