Bill Gates reportedly told members of the House Oversight Committee that he had no indication of Epstein's crimes - and that the disgraced financier used knowledge of his extramarital affairs to put pressure on him.16:32, 10 Jun 2026Updated 16:56, 10 Jun 2026Billionaire Bill Gates has claimed he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and alleged that the disgraced financier later tried to use information about his affairs to get close to him.‌Gates today told members of the House Oversight Committee that he "never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct," according to a copy of his opening remarks obtained by CNN.‌The billionaire added: "I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home [...] while he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated.‌"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."According to Gates, after his "limited" interactions with Epstein came to an end in December 2014, the late convicted sex offender tried to use what he knew about his infidelities "in addition to many lies that he layered on top" to pressure him to re-connect.‌Gates said the pair were first acquainted in 2011 when Epstein promised he could raise billions of dollars for global health."I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed," he said. "I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have."The hearing follows the release of millions of files by the US Justice Department laying bare previously unseen material about Epstein, including his relationship with Gates - with two draft emails found in Epstein's account.‌The messages, which appear to have been written by Epstein and addressed to himself, contain allegations that Epstein had helped Gates medication linked to sexual encounters and that Gates later asked him to delete references to and STD.The allegations are unverified, and there is no evidence the emails were ever sent. Gates has also not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein.He has strongly denied the claims and a representative of Gates previously said: "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.Article continues below"While Mr. Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the horrible activities in which Epstein was involved. Mr. Gates never visited Epstein’s island, never attended parties with him, and had no involvement in any illegal activities associated with Epstein."Gates previously admitted meeting Epstein was a mistake. "It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there," he said.