Ask Onix
Gates scheduled to appear before House Oversight Committee
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on 10 June regarding his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, lawmakers confirmed on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Gates stated he is "looking forward to answering all the committee's questions to support their important work."
Background of the investigation
The committee is examining Epstein's wrongdoing and has already heard testimony from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in February. Additional witnesses, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, are expected to appear in the coming weeks.
Gates' connection to Epstein
Gates has not been accused of misconduct by any of Epstein's victims, and his inclusion in investigative files does not suggest criminal activity. However, details of his communications and relationship with Epstein were revealed in over three million documents released by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this year.
Millions of additional documents remain undisclosed, following legislation signed by former President Donald Trump in November that mandated the release of all material from Epstein-related investigations.
Gates' public statements on Epstein
During a meeting with staff from the Gates Foundation, the billionaire addressed his ties to Epstein and "took responsibility for his actions." According to a foundation statement, Gates spoke candidly about the matter, answering questions in detail.
"Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail."
Gates Foundation statement
The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates apologized to staff, disclosed two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later learned about, and stated, "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit."
In an interview with Australia's 9News earlier this year, Gates described his interactions with Epstein as limited to dinners and denied visiting Epstein's private island. "Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that," he said.
Denial of improper conduct
A spokesperson for Gates told the BBC that the Microsoft co-founder had never attended parties with Epstein and had no involvement in any illegal activities associated with him.
"While Mr. Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the horrible activities in which Epstein was involved."
Gates spokesperson, statement to the BBC
Committee's request for testimony
The House Oversight Committee formally requested Gates' testimony in a letter dated 3 March, as part of its broader investigation into Epstein's network and associations.
