Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and prominent philanthropist, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026.
In his testimony, Gates openly admitted that his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were a “grave error in judgment” that he should never have made in the first place.
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He also revealed that Epstein had attempted to blackmail him regarding an extramarital affair.
Gates’ appearance before the committee was voluntary, intended to answer questions about his relationship with Epstein and contribute to the committee’s important investigation.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee requested Gates’s testimony after his name repeatedly appeared in documents released by the Justice Department as part of the Epstein investigation.
Committee Chairman, Representative James Comer, emphasized that the investigation is not aimed at accusing Bill Gates of wrongdoing, but rather at understanding the government's failures in the Epstein case and seeking justice for the victims.
Chronology of Interactions and Attempted Blackmail
Bill Gates' interactions with Jeffrey Epstein first began in 2011.
These meetings happened through individuals he trusted for his professional and philanthropic work, with Epstein claiming to raise billions of dollars for global health.
Gates asserted that he never witnessed or had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.
“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated,” Gates said Wednesday.
However, the relationship escalated into an extortion attempt.
Gates revealed that Epstein attempted to blackmail him using information about his extramarital affairs.
"I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”
Gates ended his relationship with Epstein in 2014 after realizing that Epstein would not fulfill his promises to raise funds.
Testimony Process and Hope for Justice
Bill Gates' testimony took place in a closed session and was not videotaped, although a transcript is expected to be released to the public.
The process lasted nearly six hours.
Lawmakers gave differing accounts of the interview; some described it as "intense," while others stated that Gates was "cooperative" despite some resistance to questioning.
Gates expressed support for the release of all Epstein files and hoped his participation would contribute to justice for the victims.
Background to the Committee's Investigation
Gates' first meeting with Epstein in 2011 came three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates told lawmakers.
More than 1,000 communications related to Gates, his foundation, or people who worked for him have been identified in the approximately 3 million pages of Epstein files released by the Justice Department.