Bill Gates Testifies: No Personal Ties to Epstein, Cuts Links After Failure

Wed Jun 17 2026 08:32:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Bill Gates says he had no personal connections to Jeffrey Epstein and ended the relationship when Epstein failed to donate toward his philanthropic work.

Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee and denied any personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying he never visited Epstein’s island or homes. He explained that while Epstein sought a personal bond, Gates was not interested and ultimately severed ties after realizing Epstein could not deliver on promised fundraising. Gates admitted he was aware of Epstein’s attempts to use knowledge of his private affairs to pressure him but rejected any notion that he engaged in unethical conduct. Committee members described Epstein as a "friend collector" who lured high‑profile figures through promises of philanthropy.

Bill Gates appeared on Wednesday before a closed‑door hearing of the House Oversight Committee, testifying that he had never developed a personal relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates said he never visited Epstein’s islands, ranches or Florida residences, and he maintained that he was not interested in a friendship and never reciprocated Epstein’s overtures.

The former Microsoft co‑founder explained that the connection began in 2011, after Epstein had been convicted in Florida on two prostitution charges. Gates said he met with Epstein about potential donors for his global health foundation, but in 2014 he discovered that the group supplied no meaningful contributions. "I realized that our prior discussions would not translate into philanthropic support," Gates said, and he ended all communication and meetings with Epstein thereafter.

During the hearing, Gates recounted how Epstein allegedly leveraged knowledge of his marital infidelities to apply pressure, offering fabricated claims that Epstein had arranged illicit encounters for Gates. Gates denied any such claims and stated that he would not entertain Epstein’s attempts to secure funding through deception or promises of discreet involvement.

Committee members referred to Epstein as a "friend collector," someone who wanted the company of influential figures to bolster his own image. Gates provided the names of some individuals Epstein approached for fundraising but kept them confidential. Republican representative Tim Burchett described the questioning as intense, while Democratic members noted that Gates had not been introduced by Epstein to any underage girls or other illicit parties and had never received compensation from the foundation for direct involvement.

In addition to his testimony, Gates reflected on the broader implications for survivors of Epstein’s crimes, stating he hopes they receive justice. He acknowledged regretting his own poor judgment in associating with Epstein, saying his experience was one of regret and caution. Gates also warned the committee that lawmakers might question how a high‑profile philanthropist could remain largely unaware of Epstein’s background, including publicly known facts about the suspect’s misconduct.