Full Breakdown
Bill Gates Testifies on Russian Affairs and Epstein Blackmail Claims
6/25/2026, 12:59:51 AM
Congressional Testimony on Affairs and Blackmail
On June 10, 2026, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee, revealing affairs with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, nuclear scientist Karima Nigmatulina, and entrepreneur Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. He said convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein learned of the affairs and attempted to leverage them, calling it an “attempt at blackmail,” and sought reimbursement for Antonova-related expenses, which Gates declined.
Background: Gates–Epstein Relationship
Gates met Epstein in 2011, after the financier’s 2008 sex-trafficking conviction. They stayed in contact for about four years while Gates sought philanthropic donations that Epstein pledged. Gates said he ended the relationship in 2014 when Epstein’s overtures failed to bring donors.
Timeline of Key Events
Key dates include Gates meeting Epstein in 2011; a July 2013 draft email by Epstein (on behalf of Boris Nikolic) referencing Gates’ “illicit trysts”; the DOJ’s January 2024 release of that email; Gates’ June 10 2026 testimony; and media coverage on June 23 2026.
Official Statements
Gates said Epstein “never blackmailed me,” though the emails “raise a serious probability” of blackmail. He instructed Gates Ventures’ Larry Cohen to refuse any payment and expressed regret for his interactions with Epstein. The Oversight Committee called the testimony “grilling” and signaled a review of possible legal violations.
Criticism & Opposition
Committee members questioned Gates’ judgment in associating with a convicted sex offender and warned of reputational risk to his charities. Lawmakers said the alleged leverage could have compromised the integrity of his philanthropic work.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on Epstein’s blackmail: Gates calls it an “attempt,” while the draft email implies a direct threat. The New York Post omitted the third affair with Dr. Nesselrodt, reported only by The Sun. Gates denied an STD but earlier expressed uncertainty about infection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me,” — Bill Gates, testimony
- “I feel it would be dishonest to myself and my future from helping Bill to get drugs in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts with married women, to being asked to provide Adderall for bridge tournaments.” — Draft email, Jeffrey Epstein
- “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise that I did that” — Bill Gates, apology
- “I now know his crimes were despicable and my heart goes out to the victims,” — Boris Nikolic
What’s Next
The Oversight Committee will seek more documents from Gates Ventures and may refer the case to the Department of Justice. Media scrutiny will continue as additional Epstein-estate materials become public.
