Bill Gates tells Congress Epstein rehearsed blackmail using affair knowledge
In testimony released Tuesday, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told US lawmakers that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein appeared to explore blackmailing him using knowledge of his extramarital affairs, though no blackmail ever occurred.
Closed-door testimony revealed
Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 for a five-hour, closed-door session. The full transcript was made public on Tuesday, June 23, shedding new light on the billionaire’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein’s blackmail rehearsal
Gates described “veiled threats” from Epstein, suggesting the financier was drafting plans to exploit Gates’s extramarital affairs.
He noted that Epstein never actually sent blackmail material but appeared to be “rehearsing how he himself, or someone he instructed, might choose to blackmail me.” Draft emails, addressed by Epstein to himself, outlined potential leverage, though “none of those messages were ever sent to me.”I wasn’t blackmailed, but, you know, reading these emails, it seems that Mr. Epstein’s ideas were heading in that direction.
Gates’s personal admissions
During the hearing, Gates acknowledged three extramarital affairs, one more than he had previously admitted. He maintained that Epstein was not involved in any of them and that he learned of the financier’s interest only after breaking off contact. Gates also conceded he was aware of Epstein’s criminal past but did not probe further.
I knew he had a criminal record. I knew it was of a sexual nature, but I don’t think I tried to find out more, even though I probably should have.
Why Gates associated with Epstein
Gates testified that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. He believed Epstein’s network could help advance the Gates Foundation’s global health work. Describing Epstein as a “dilettante” with superficial knowledge, Gates said he initially saw the connection as purely professional.
A ‘huge mistake’
Gates told lawmakers the friendship was a “huge mistake.” He insisted he never had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal behavior beyond the 2008 conviction and denied ever harming anyone. The transcript release follows years of scrutiny over the ties between Epstein and high-profile figures.
