Bill Gates was on Capitol Hill and testified before Congress regarding his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire businessman was among those mentioned in the Epstein Files, and he has since repeatedly claimed he only had a professional relationship with the convicted felon.

Gates alleged that Epstein used information about his infidelities to blackmail him into a personal relationship, an attempt that he said failed. Moreover, he stood firm and stated he had no knowledge of, nor did he witness, Epstein’s illicit activities.

Bill Gates Said He Only Had A Professional Relationship With Epstein

On June 10, Bill Gates arrived on Capitol Hill to testify in front of the House Oversight Committee about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. “I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify to help with the committee’s work… I hope my testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victim,” he said before going into the closed-door interview.

Gates shared that Epstein was first introduced to him in 2011, and the financier told him he could raise money for global health. The Microsoft mogul admitted that he was aware that Epstein had legal issues, but did not know the details or the extent of his crimes. “I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” he said, per CNN.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and was sentenced to 18 months.

Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Attempted To Blackmail The Philanthropist

According to Gates, he cut ties with Epstein when he couldn’t deliver on the funds he had promised to raise for philanthropic efforts. However, Epstein allegedly used knowledge of Gates’ infidelity as leverage to get closer to Gates.

“I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said.

The businessman claimed Epstein used that, as well as “many lies that he layered on top,” to blackmail him into engaging with him. “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,” said Gates.

Bill Gates Claims He Never Witnessed Criminal Conduct

Gates then explained that while he saw that Epstein was interested in having a relationship with him beyond a professional capacity, he was not interested and “never reciprocated.” Moreover, he claimed he had had “limited” interactions with the disgraced financier and cut off communication in late 2014.

“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,” Gates testified.

A few hours after the interview, Gates told reporters, “I support the release of all the files and hope my participation contributes to getting justice for the victims.”

Bill Gates Repeatedly Expressed Regret

Gates’ association with Epstein was highlighted in January, following the Department of Justice’s massive release of the Epstein Files. Gates was mentioned thousands of times, and photos and emails were also exposed.

In February, Gates addressed the controversy during interviews, telling 9 News Australia that meeting with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” As The Blast previously reported, Gates insisted that their interactions were strictly professional, even calling himself “foolish” for associating with the late financier.

Gates also had a meeting with the staff of the Gates Foundation, saying, “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” but insisting, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”

The Committee’s Take On Bill Gates’ Testimony

During a break in the interview, Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury said Gates viewed his “narrow relationship” with Epstein as “an acceptable means to access wealthy donors.” Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, on the other hand, noted that Gates was a “bit combative” during the interview but ultimately cooperated and answered the questions.

Gates was the latest high-profile figure to testify before the House Oversight Committee. Bill and Hillary Clinton, Howard Lutnick, Pam Bondi, and Ted Waitt have also been questioned. Chairman James Comer noted that other depositions are scheduled for July, including those of Todd Blanche and Alan Dershowitz.