Bill Gates told congressional investigators that Jeffrey Epstein appeared to explore ways to use information about his extramarital affairs after Gates tried to end their relationship, a newly released transcript shows.
Gates Described Pressure, Not Direct Blackmail
Gates told lawmakers he was not blackmailed. But he said emails connected to Epstein appeared to show the late financier thinking through ways to use private information against him.
The testimony centered on whether Epstein tried to regain access to Gates after Gates concluded their relationship had no philanthropic value. Gates described the pressure as indirect, not an explicit demand.
Meetings Began With Philanthropy Pitch
Gates said his contact with Epstein began in 2011. Epstein claimed he could connect Gates with wealthy donors who might support global health work.
Gates said he knew Epstein had a prior criminal conviction tied to sexual misconduct. He also said he did not fully understand the scope of Epstein’s crimes when he accepted the introduction.
In prepared remarks, Gates said meeting Epstein was a serious mistake and that he should have applied more scrutiny before engaging with him. He later called the relationship a grave judgment error.
Epstein’s Promises Led Nowhere
Gates described Epstein as someone who spoke broadly about science, academics, and wealthy contacts. He said Epstein claimed to know billionaires in finance, the Middle East, and other circles.
The relationship continued through a limited number of meetings in 2011 and 2012. Gates said more detailed conversations followed in 2013 and 2014.
Those discussions focused on possible giving structures and donor-advised funds. Gates said no meaningful philanthropic money came from Epstein’s efforts. By 2014, Gates said he had decided Epstein would not deliver. He ended the relationship and stopped meeting with him.
Alleged Leverage Emerged After Break
The most serious part of the testimony concerns what Gates said happened after he cut off contact. Gates said Epstein later appeared to know about his affairs. He said Epstein did not learn that information from him.
Gates suggested Epstein may have learned details through Boris Nikolic, a former Gates science adviser. Gates said Nikolic knew about some of the affairs because of their close professional relationship.
In one instance, Gates said he used a meeting with Nikolic as an alibi to meet one of the women. That detail gave investigators a clearer timeline for how personal information may have moved.
Draft Emails Raised Blackmail Concerns
Investigators asked Gates about draft emails linked to Epstein. The messages referred to Gates’ affairs and included claims that Gates said were false. Gates denied contracting a sexually transmitted disease, one allegation referenced in the material. He said the draft messages appeared to mix real information with false claims.
That combination, Gates told lawmakers, made the communications appear to be possible preparation for blackmail. He emphasized that the messages were not sent directly to him.
“If those emails that contained some truth and some false things were ever sent,” Gates said, he would have viewed that as attempted blackmail. But he said that step did not occur.
Federal Review Found No Proven Blackmail
The Gates testimony comes after federal officials previously said they found no proof that Epstein blackmailed prominent people. A prior federal review said investigators found no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed public figures as part of his actions. The same review said investigators did not find an incriminating client list.
That federal conclusion remains separate from Gates’ testimony. Gates described his interpretation of emails and conduct involving Epstein, not a criminal finding.
Gates Denied Witnessing Crimes
Gates told lawmakers he never saw Epstein commit a crime. He also said he never went to Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida home. He denied victimizing anyone. He said he did not know women around Epstein may have been trafficking victims.
Investigators asked about photographs showing Gates with women connected to Epstein. Gates said Epstein sometimes asked him to pose with women Gates believed were assistants.
Association Helped Epstein’s Image
Gates acknowledged that his contact with Epstein may have helped Epstein appear legitimate. That admission is central to the testimony. Epstein’s access to powerful people helped him project influence, even when those relationships did not produce the results he promised.
Committee Review Remains Open
The House Oversight Committee continues to review the federal handling of investigations into Epstein and Maxwell. The panel has released multiple transcripts tied to its inquiry, including Gates and Groff transcripts. No new charge has been announced in connection with Gates’ testimony. The transcript does not show that Gates was formally blackmailed.
