Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation
Bill Gates Set to Appear Before U.S. Congress in Epstein Inquiry
Lawmakers have announced that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, will appear before the U.S. Congress in June to address his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The billionaire philanthropist is the latest prominent figure to agree to testify before the House Oversight Committee examining Epstein’s misconduct.
A Gates representative told the BBC that the co-founder is “eager to address the committee’s inquiries to aid in their crucial investigation.” The hearing is scheduled for 10 June. Despite his inclusion in investigative records, Gates has not faced accusations of wrongdoing from Epstein’s victims, and his participation does not indicate criminal activity.
The Justice Department’s earlier release of over three million documents contained details about Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein. While millions of pages have been disclosed, many more remain under wraps. This came after President Trump signed legislation in November, requiring the department to make all materials from its Epstein inquiry public.
Testimony Details
During a meeting with staff from his charitable foundation, Gates discussed his ties to the financier and “accepted accountability for his actions,” as stated by the Gates Foundation. “Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the foundation added in a statement.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said in reference to Epstein, according to the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper also reported that Gates apologized to staff, revealing he had two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later discovered.
Earlier this year, Gates told 9News in Australia that his interactions with Epstein were limited to dinners, and he had never visited the financier’s island. “I regret every moment spent with him and am sorry for the time I dedicated to our association,” Gates remarked.
“Although Gates recognizes that meeting Epstein was a significant misstep, he firmly rejects any wrongdoing connected to the financier and the appalling actions he was involved in,” a Gates spokesperson said in a BBC statement, clarifying that the Microsoft co-founder had never attended gatherings with Epstein and was not part of any illegal activities.
The House Oversight Committee sent a letter on March 3 requesting Gates’ testimony, as part of a series of high-profile appearances. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, had already testified in February. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi are also expected to speak before the committee in upcoming weeks.
