Bill Gates Calls Meetings With Jeffrey Epstein a ‘Grave Error’ in Congressional Testimony

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told US lawmakers on Wednesday that meeting disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was a “grave error in judgment,” expressing regret over the relationship while denying any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.

Appearing voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee , Gates said he “should never have met with Epstein in the first place” and maintained that he never witnessed or had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.

The testimony comes as lawmakers continue examining the network of influential figures linked to Epstein and the circumstances that enabled his crimes to go undetected for years. Committee Chairman James Comer stressed that Gates is not accused of wrongdoing and said the investigation is focused on securing justice for survivors and understanding institutional failures surrounding Epstein’s activities.

In his opening statement, Gates said he was introduced to Epstein through individuals connected to his professional and philanthropic work. He explained that he initially engaged with Epstein because of claims that the financier could help mobilise billions of dollars for global health and charitable initiatives . However, Gates said he ended the relationship in 2014 after concluding that Epstein could not deliver on those promises.

Gates also denied visiting Epstein’s private island or other notorious properties. “I have never victimized anyone,” he said, adding that while Epstein may have sought a personal relationship, he was never interested in pursuing one.

Documents reviewed by lawmakers reportedly include meeting schedules, email exchanges related to philanthropic projects and photographs showing Gates and Epstein attending some of the same events. Their association began in 2011 , three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor, and continued until at least late 2014.

Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation , has repeatedly described the association as a major mistake . The foundation has stated that it never established a charitable fund with Epstein and made no payments to him. Epstein was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019 and died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial.