Gates Acknowledges Meeting With Epstein Put Philanthropy at Risk
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee that his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was "a grave error in judgment" that jeopardized his philanthropic work. Gates appeared in a closed-door session to answer questions about his ties to the late financier, marking one of the most high-profile interviews the committee has conducted since beginning its probe into the government's handling of Epstein investigations.
In his prepared opening remarks, Gates stated he "never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct" and that he "never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home." He emphasized: "I have never victimized anyone."
How the Relationship Began
Gates told lawmakers that his interactions with Epstein began with a limited number of preliminary meetings. He had three meetings with Epstein in 2011 and two in 2012, during which he discussed the goals of his philanthropic work. Beginning in 2013 and 2014, the conversations became more extensive, focusing on identifying potential giving structures such as donor-advised funds and enrolling individuals Epstein claimed were interested in making significant contributions to global health.
According to documents released by the Department of Justice, Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Epstein's Leverage and Pressure Campaign
Gates acknowledged that Epstein learned sensitive information about his personal life, including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage to Melinda French Gates. Gates said he had two extramarital affairs, one with a Russian bridge player and one with a Russian nuclear physicist, neither of whom was introduced to him by Epstein.
According to Gates' testimony, Epstein used knowledge of these affairs to pressure him. "Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities in addition to many lies that he layered on top to pressure me to re-engage with him," Gates said. "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."
Gates said he believes his former science advisor Boris Nikolic informed Epstein about the affairs, though he said he doesn't know for certain when Epstein first learned about them.
Committee Questions and Witness Credibility
Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee's ranking Democrat, told reporters Wednesday that Gates had been "cooperative" in answering questions but was "pushing back" at times. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia noted that "there has been a lot of apologies" from Gates during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony Tuesday from Lesley Groff, Epstein's longtime executive secretary of more than 18 years. Groff told lawmakers that Epstein was a "master manipulator" and that she was unaware of his crimes. She said she was told when hired in 2001 that Epstein's typical day included a morning muffin, yoga, and a massage, and that she made daily massage appointments for him but "never met any of the masseuses" and never heard that they were minors or sexually abused.
However, Garcia questioned the credibility of Groff's testimony. "To spend 18 years with someone, and to not remember or have not really acknowledged the fact that there was rape and trafficking and abuse of minors happening? This is a woman who knew that Jeffrey Epstein had pleaded guilty of a horrific crime, and then continued to work for him for many years after," Garcia said. Groff's attorney Michael Bachner countered that his client "never knowingly booked travel for anyone under the age of 18, and had no knowledge of the alleged illegal activity whatsoever." Federal prosecutors informed Groff in 2021 that no criminal charges would be brought against her after a more than two-year investigation.
Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda specifically called out Groff, alleging that Groff had called her repeatedly to come to Epstein's place for a massage, causing her to drop out of high school before ninth grade. Lacerda told ABC News that "anything that had to do with Jeffrey Epstein had to go through Lesley Groff."
Upcoming Committee Investigations
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Wednesday that he wants acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to appear before the panel in July. Comer also intends to seek a transcribed interview with attorney Alan Dershowitz after consulting with some of Epstein's victims. Dershowitz told reporters he wants the appearance to be "open" and "under oath" and claimed to have information that would contradict some testimony the committee has already heard.
Garcia said he would prefer Blanche's appearance to be a videotaped deposition under oath that is released to the public, rather than a closed-door transcribed interview.
