Gates: Meeting Epstein a ‘Grave Error in Judgment’
WASHINGTON — Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday that his decision to meet with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a “grave error in judgment,” as the Microsoft co-founder became the latest high-profile figure to testify in the ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein’s network.
In a closed-door hearing, Gates delivered an opening statement — which he also published on his personal website — in which he said he “should never have met with Epstein in the first place” and acknowledged that the association put his philanthropic work “at risk.”
“At the outset, I want to state very clearly: I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct,” Gates said. “I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone.”
Background of the Relationship
Gates’ relationship with Epstein began in 2011 — three years after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. According to AP News, Gates was introduced to Epstein through people he trusted in his professional and philanthropic work, drawn by Epstein’s claims that he could raise billions of dollars for global health.
The two held three preliminary meetings in 2011 and two in 2012, followed by more extensive conversations in 2013 and 2014 focused on potential philanthropic giving structures. Gates said he made clear from the outset that Epstein “would never play a role in any of the work or receive any compensation.”
By 2014, Gates said he concluded the discussions were a “dead-end” after Epstein assembled a group of potential donors who showed no genuine interest. Gates ended communications in December 2014, four years before Epstein’s 2019 federal indictment and subsequent death by suicide in a New York jail.
Leverage and Personal Information
Gates revealed that Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about his personal life, including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage. According to CNBC, Epstein attempted to leverage this knowledge to pressure Gates to re-engage with him.
“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda,” Gates said.
Gates also disclosed that an employee leaving his private office had engaged Epstein to negotiate the terms of separation, resulting in emails, calls, and meetings with Gates’ team. The final agreement, Gates said, was no different from what had been previously agreed upon.
Congressional Context
The hearing is part of a broader investigation by the House Oversight Committee into the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) said before the hearing that “no one’s accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing” and emphasized the focus is on “the survivors” and “how the government failed,” as The Guardian reported.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking Democrat on the committee, said lawmakers wanted to know “what did Mr. Gates know, who else was around that orbit, and why Mr. Gates continued to have a relationship with Mr. Epstein.”
Gates’ testimony follows former President Bill Clinton’s closed-door deposition in February and Epstein’s former executive assistant Lesley Groff’s appearance before the committee on June 9. A transcript of Gates’ testimony is expected to be released in the coming days.
Gates Foundation Response
The Gates Foundation acknowledged in February that a small number of employees had met with Epstein based on his claims about mobilizing philanthropic resources. No charitable fund was ever created, and the foundation made no payments to Epstein. In April, the foundation commissioned an external review of its past ties to Epstein, with an update expected in summer 2026.
Analysis and Forward Look
Gates’ testimony marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation, which has drawn in some of the most powerful figures in American business and politics. With Clinton and Gates having testified, and Comer signaling interest in Alan Dershowitz and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the investigation shows no signs of slowing.
Gates, who prepared for his testimony with the help of Jake Greenberg — the former top investigative counsel to the House Oversight Committee — acknowledged the broader implications of his association with Epstein.
“I see now that he sought to build an image of legitimacy around himself, using connections to reputable and powerful people to deflect scrutiny and attempt to rehabilitate his reputation,” Gates said. “I was so focused on the possibility of raising funds for global health that I allowed that goal to override my better judgment. That is a sobering realization.”
“If the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry,” Gates added.