Bill Gates told members of the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein tried to use information about his personal life, including marital infidelities, to pressure him into renewing contact, according to reports on his closed-door testimony.
The Microsoft co-founder appeared before congressional investigators on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as lawmakers continued examining Epstein’s network and the federal government’s handling of records tied to the late convicted sex offender.
Gates said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 and believed Epstein could help raise money for global health work. He said the relationship ended in December 2014 after no major philanthropic support came from Epstein.
In prepared remarks reported by CNN and other outlets, Gates said he never witnessed Epstein’s criminal conduct and never visited Epstein’s island, ranch or Florida home. He also said, “I have never victimized anyone.”
Gates acknowledged that Epstein learned sensitive details about his personal life. He said those affairs were unrelated to his interactions with Epstein, but were painful for his family.
Gates told lawmakers Epstein later tried to use that information, along with what Gates described as lies, to pressure him to reconnect. Gates said the effort failed.
The questioning followed the Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related records, including draft emails from 2013 that appear to have been saved in Epstein’s own account. The documents include graphic allegations about Gates, but the claims remain unverified and uncorroborated.
There is no public indication that the draft messages were ever sent to Gates. Gates has denied the allegations in those draft emails and has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the panel, said Gates was clear that Epstein did not introduce him to women, girls or anyone underage. Garcia also said Gates testified that Epstein wrote things to himself that were not true or did not happen.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury said Gates acknowledged knowing of Epstein’s reputation and conviction, but viewed the limited contact as a way to reach wealthy donors. She said Gates described that judgment as wrong.
House Oversight Chair James Comer said before the interview that lawmakers could ask Gates about any part of his relationship with Epstein. Gates later said he appreciated the chance to answer the committee’s questions.
Gates is one of the most prominent figures questioned as part of the committee’s Epstein investigation. Lawmakers are reviewing how Epstein used access to powerful people, including business leaders, politicians and academics.
The released records show meetings, meals, proposed calls and email exchanges involving Gates after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on prostitution-related charges. Gates has said he regrets any credibility his meetings gave Epstein.
After the interview, Gates said he supported the release of all Epstein files and hoped his cooperation would help victims receive justice. The committee is expected to continue seeking testimony from other high-profile people connected to Epstein’s orbit.