Billionaire Bill Gates informed the House Oversight Committee this month about his concerns regarding Jeffrey Epstein. According to the transcript of his interview, Gates believed Epstein could have contemplated blackmailing him about extramarital affairs.
Speaking to lawmakers on June 10 as part of an investigation into the late convicted sex offender, Gates stated, “He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me.”
In February, Gates confessed to his foundation members that he had two affairs and acknowledged spending time with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” During a town hall meeting with staff, Gates expressed regret over his ties to Epstein following the release of emails between them, saying, “I did nothing illicit. I said nothing illicit.”
During the interview this month, Gates also admitted to being aware of Epstein’s criminal conviction “of a sexual nature” when they met, acknowledging, “I probably should have” investigated the specifics of the conviction further.
Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida, requiring him to register as a sex offender. Gates mentioned meeting Epstein in 2011, with several subsequent interactions and email exchanges.
Gates, who faces no accusations linking him to Epstein’s activities, clarified to lawmakers that Epstein never introduced him to young women. Following his testimony on June 10, Gates released a statement expressing gratitude for answering the committee’s questions.
“I support the release of all the files and hope my participation contributes to getting justice for the victims,” Gates noted.
The committee also released the transcript of its June 9 interview with Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime secretary. Groff informed lawmakers she did not witness anything illegal during her 18-year tenure with Epstein.