Full Breakdown
Bill Gates Testifies on Jeffrey Epstein Ties, Claims Blackmail Attempt
6/11/2026, 3:17:26 AM
The Hearing and Core Testimony
On June 10, 2026, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Washington, D.C., for a closed-door interview. In his opening statement he denied any knowledge of Epstein’s illegal conduct, said he never visited Epstein’s island, ranch or Florida home, and called the meetings a “grave error in judgment.” Gates also asserted that Epstein tried to use information about Gates’s extramarital affairs to pressure him into re-engaging.
Background and Context
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution. In late 2024 the Department of Justice released more than three million pages of files that referenced Gates hundreds of times, including emails, meeting schedules and draft notes written by Epstein. The House Oversight Committee has been investigating the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein case and the broader network of high-profile contacts.
Timeline of Gates–Epstein Interactions
- 2011 – First preliminary meetings between Gates and Epstein.
- 2012 – Additional dinners and discussions.
- 2013-2014 – More extensive conversations focused on philanthropic structures such as donor-advised funds.
- Dec 2014 – Gates ends contact, citing lack of progress on funding proposals.
- 2021 – Gates’s divorce from Melinda French Gates, partly attributed to Epstein-related revelations.
- 2024-2025 – DOJ releases extensive Epstein files.
- June 2026 – Gates testifies before the committee.
Data and Statistics
The DOJ material contains over three million pages and several hundred references to Gates. The committee’s record shows Gates met Epstein at least five times between 2011 and 2012, with additional contacts in 2013-2014. The oversight panel has conducted 15 interviews, including with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Official Statements & Responses
Gates’s prepared remarks emphasized that he “never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct” and that his interactions were limited to philanthropic discussions. Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing would explore “what Mr. Gates knew and whether he saw any wrongdoing.” Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia expressed concern that Gates maintained a relationship after Epstein’s conviction. The Gates Foundation announced an external review of its past engagement with Epstein, slated for release later this summer.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic members argue Gates continued the relationship to access wealthy donors, describing it as a “ticket to getting more money to his foundation.” Rep. Suhas Subramanyam called the decision “a horrific judgment call.” Critics also highlight draft emails allegedly written by Epstein that claim Gates had a sexually transmitted infection and sought antibiotics for his wife—claims Gates has labeled false.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Epstein’s 2013 draft emails allege Gates asked for medication to conceal an STD; Gates and his spokesperson assert the emails were never sent and are unverified. The DOJ has stated it found “no credible evidence” of blackmail, while committee members contend Epstein used blackmail tactics repeatedly. The extent of any financial arrangements proposed by Epstein remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Bill Gates, Opening Statement
- “These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.” — Bill Gates, Opening Statement
- “He added: “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities – in addition to many lies that he layered on top – to pressure me to re-engage with him.” — Bill Gates, Opening Statement
- “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.” — Bill Gates, Opening Statement
- “We’ve said we don’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat or who you are. The fact that Mr. Gates still had a relationship with Mr. Epstein even after knowing about the conviction, knowing actually what he had done, I think is very concerning. So we want to know what did Mr. Gates know, who else was around in that orbit, and why Mr. Gates continued to have a relationship with Mr. Epstein,” — Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member
- “His spokesperson said: "These claims - from a proven, disgruntled liar - are absolutely absurd and completely false.” — Gates spokesperson, Fox News interview
Why It Matters
The testimony raises questions about the vetting of philanthropic partners, the potential for blackmail of influential figures, and the reputational risk to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It also underscores congressional scrutiny of the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein investigation.
What’s Next
The Gates Foundation’s external review will be published later this summer. The Oversight Committee plans to interview individuals named by Gates and may seek further documents from Epstein’s estate. Continued releases of DOJ files are expected to shape the investigation’s scope.
