Bill Gates is set to testify before the US Congress in June regarding his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein as part of an ongoing investigation examining Epstein’s network and connections.
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates is scheduled to testify before the US Congress in June as part of the ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers confirmed that Gates has agreed to appear before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining Epstein’s network of contacts and activities.
Gates is among several high-profile figures who have agreed to cooperate with the inquiry. According to reports, the hearing is scheduled to take place on June 10. A spokesperson for Gates stated that he is willing to cooperate fully with lawmakers and is prepared to answer questions related to his past interactions with Epstein. The spokesperson said Gates was "looking forward to answering all the committee's questions to support their important work".
It is important to note that Gates has not been accused of any misconduct by Epstein’s victims. Officials have also clarified that his name appearing in investigative documents does not imply involvement in criminal activities. However, details regarding Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein surfaced after the US Justice Department released more than three million documents earlier this year as part of broader transparency measures connected to the case.
Despite the massive document release, authorities indicated that millions of additional files are yet to be disclosed. The release of these documents followed legislation signed by former President Donald Trump in November, requiring the Justice Department to make public all available material linked to investigations into Epstein’s activities and connections.
Gates previously addressed his association with Epstein during an internal meeting with employees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. During the discussion, he acknowledged the controversy surrounding the relationship and reportedly accepted responsibility for meeting Epstein in the past. According to a statement from the foundation, "Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail".
Reports from The Wall Street Journal claimed that Gates expressed regret about his past interactions and apologised to staff. The report also suggested Gates admitted to having two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later became aware of. Gates maintained that there was no illegal behaviour involved, stating: "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit."
Earlier this year, Gates publicly spoke about the issue during an interview with Australia’s 9News. He said his meetings with Epstein were limited primarily to dinners and reiterated that he never visited Epstein’s private island. Reflecting on the association, Gates stated: "Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologise that I did that," Gates said.
In a separate statement provided to the BBC, a representative for Gates emphasised that he never attended social gatherings or parties hosted by Epstein and had no involvement in any unlawful activities connected to the disgraced financier. The spokesperson reiterated that meeting Epstein was a serious mistake but firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing.
"While Mr Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the horrible activities in which Epstein was involved," the statement said.
The House Oversight Committee formally requested Gates’ testimony in a letter issued on March 3. His appearance is part of a wider investigation involving testimony from other prominent political and public figures. Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have already appeared before the committee in February. Additional testimony is expected from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi in the coming weeks.
The investigation continues to draw global attention as authorities seek to understand the full extent of Epstein’s network and the nature of his relationships with influential individuals across politics, business, and philanthropy.
Source : BBC
