Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates appeared before a U.S. congressional committee on Wednesday to answer questions about his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates arrived at Capitol Hill for a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein’s network of wealthy and influential associates as part of a broader review of the federal government’s handling of the case.
Speaking briefly to reporters before entering the hearing room, Gates said he hoped his testimony would assist lawmakers in their efforts to secure justice for Epstein’s victims.
“I hope my testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims,” he said.
The committee requested Gates’ appearance following the release of additional Justice Department documents that renewed scrutiny over his interactions with Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.
According to reports, investigators are examining the nature and extent of Gates’ relationship with Epstein, as well as what he may have known about the financier’s activities.
A spokesperson for Gates said the billionaire welcomed the opportunity to cooperate with lawmakers and maintained that he never witnessed or participated in any illegal conduct involving Epstein.
The renewed attention follows revelations from documents linked to the investigation, including a disputed 2013 email in which Epstein allegedly claimed he had assisted Gates in dealing with personal matters related to extramarital affairs.
Gates has strongly denied the authenticity of the email and previously described his association with Epstein as a mistake.
In earlier interviews, Gates admitted that meeting with Epstein was “foolish” and said he regretted every interaction he had with him.
“Every minute I spent with him, I regret,” Gates said during a television interview earlier this year.
He also insisted that he never visited Epstein’s private island and never met any of the women involved in the sex trafficking scandal.
Reports indicate that Gates continued meeting with Epstein for several years despite concerns reportedly raised by his former wife, Melinda French Gates.
The House Oversight Committee has also interviewed several other prominent figures connected to Epstein’s circle as lawmakers seek to establish a clearer picture of the financier’s influence and relationships.
Committee members are expected to focus on what Gates knew about Epstein’s conduct and whether their relationship extended beyond the business and philanthropic discussions previously acknowledged by the Microsoft founder.
While appearing in documents connected to Epstein does not imply criminal wrongdoing, lawmakers say the investigation is aimed at providing greater transparency and accountability surrounding one of the most controversial scandals involving powerful public figures in recent years.
Gates has not been accused of any crime and continues to deny any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities.
