Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation

Lawmakers have confirmed that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, will appear before the U.S. Congress in June to discuss his meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This marks the latest prominent individual to contribute to the House Oversight Committee’s inquiry into Epstein’s alleged misconduct. Gates expressed eagerness to address the committee’s questions, according to a spokesperson who told the BBC that he is “looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work.”

The hearing is scheduled for 10 June, following the release of over three million documents by the justice department earlier this year. These materials, which include details about Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein, were made public after legislation passed by Congress in November required the department to disclose all investigative records related to Epstein. Despite the inclusion of Gates in these files, no victims have formally accused him of wrongdoing, and his participation does not signify any criminal activity.

Testimony and Statements

During a meeting with staff from his charitable foundation, Gates addressed his ties to Epstein and “took responsibility for his actions,” as stated in a foundation release. A spokesperson later clarified that Gates had never attended social events with Epstein and was not involved in any illegal activities connected to him. “Mr. Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, but he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the activities he was involved in,” the statement added.

“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the Gates Foundation said in a statement.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates apologised to staff, admitting he had two affairs with Russian women that Epstein discovered. He stated: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” In an earlier interview with 9News in Australia, Gates described his interactions with Epstein as limited to dinners and claimed he never visited the financier’s island. “Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologise that I did that,” Gates said at the time.

Other High-Profile Witnesses

The committee’s request for Gates’ testimony comes as part of a broader series of high-profile appearances. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, testified in February. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi are also anticipated to provide evidence in the coming weeks.