Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday that he never had a personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and that he cut ties with the convicted sex‑offender when Epstein failed to deliver on fundraising promises.
Gates appeared voluntarily in Washington at a closed‑door hearing, stating he had no knowledge of ongoing criminal conduct by Epstein and had never been to his island, ranch or Florida home.
He claimed Epstein sought to forge a personal relationship but “never reciprocated.” The former Microsoft co‑founder also said he had “very little interest” in a shared friendship and declared he was wanting justice for Epstein’s survivors.
At the hearing, Gates described how the aide used his marital infidelities to pressure him, and he said he publicly warned his foundation that Epstein would not be involved in philanthropic work or receive any compensation.
Committee members described Epstein as a “friend collector,” noting his gatherings of powerful men aimed to project influence. Less than a year before his death, GOP representative Tim Burchett called Gates’ comments “intense” but practical, remarking Gates looked “down‑trod…for a guy worth several billions.”
The testimony also highlighted that Gates had been associated with Epstein since 2011, when the former fundraiser became aware of potential donors but ultimately decided the group would not provide meaningful support. Gates closed the session by expressing regret for any time spent with Epstein and for the tarnishing rumors on his personal life.
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