Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation
Bill Gates to Appear Before U.S. Congress in Epstein Inquiry
Lawmakers have announced that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, will appear before the U.S. Congress in June to discuss his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. This marks the latest prominent figure to contribute to the House Oversight Committee’s probe into Epstein’s alleged misconduct. A spokesperson for Gates expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to address the committee’s inquiries, stating the Microsoft co-founder is “excited to provide insights that will aid their critical investigation.”
Documents Uncover Gates’ Ties to Epstein
Details about Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein emerged from over three million documents shared by the justice department earlier this year. While these files reveal interactions, they do not establish any criminal charges against Gates. The inclusion of his name in the investigative records stems from a legislative mandate signed by former President Donald Trump in November, which compelled the department to disclose all materials related to Epstein’s case.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the Gates Foundation noted in a statement, highlighting his acknowledgment of the meetings with Epstein as a “significant misstep in judgment.”
Gates’ role in the inquiry gained attention after he admitted during a meeting with his foundation’s staff that he had two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein discovered. He defended his actions, asserting, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” The Wall Street Journal reported this account, adding that Gates also apologized to his team for his involvement with Epstein.
Testimony and Clarifications
In an interview with Australian news outlet 9News earlier this year, Gates described his interactions with Epstein as limited to dinners and denied any visits to the financier’s island. He later clarified to the BBC that he had never attended social gatherings with Epstein and was not involved in any illegal activities linked to him. “While Mr. Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he firmly rejects any improper conduct tied to the financier’s crimes,” the statement emphasized.
The House Oversight Committee requested Gates’ testimony in March, as part of a series of high-profile appearances. Earlier this year, former President Bill Clinton and his spouse, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, had already testified in February. Additional witnesses, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, are anticipated to provide further evidence in the coming weeks.
