Billionaire Bill Gates told lawmakers during a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee that he was unaware of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities and later came to regret ever associating with him. In his opening remarks, the Microsoft co-founder said Epstein allegedly sought to exploit details from his personal life, including his marital infidelities, in an effort to gain leverage over him. Looking back on the relationship, Gates expressed deep remorse, saying, "I should never have met him."The testimony comes amid renewed scrutiny of Gates’ past interactions with late convicted sex offender Epstein following the release of documents related to the late financier earlier this year. Gates’ appearance marked the committee’s 15th interview in its ongoing examination of Epstein’s network and connections. As one of the world’s most recognizable business figures, Gates became one of the highest-profile individuals to testify before congressional investigators, drawing significant public and media attention to the proceedings."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. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated," Gates said Wednesday in his opening remarks. — CBSEveningNews (@CBSEveningNews) "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, he first met Epstein in 2011 after being told that the financier could help secure billions of dollars in funding for global health and philanthropic initiatives. Gates said the promise of significant support for international health programs was a key reason he agreed to engage with Epstein.— CBSNews (@CBSNews) "I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have," he told Congress.Gates described his relationship with Epstein as relatively brief and limited in scope, telling investigators that all contact between the two ended in December 2014. The Microsoft co-founder further claimed that after their association had ceased, Epstein attempted to draw him back into communication by leveraging information about his extramarital affairs - in addition to many lies that he layered on top."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. I should never have met with Epstein in the first place," Gates said. Gates told lawmakers that his decision to meet with Epstein was a 'grave error in judgment', expressing regret over the association and acknowledging that it was a mistake he should not have made."In the work I do, reputation is the basis for developing partnerships that save lives. Meeting with Epstein was a grave error in judgement and put this work at risk. His behavior was antithetical to all my efforts to contribute to a world where everyone has a chance to live a healthy and productive life."