Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation
Bill Gates Set to Appear Before US Congress in Epstein Inquiry
Confirmed by lawmakers, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will provide testimony to the US Congress in June concerning his associations with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. This marks the latest prominent individual to participate in the House Oversight Committee’s probe into Epstein’s alleged misconduct. A representative for Gates shared that the philanthropist is eager to address the committee’s inquiries, aiming to assist in their investigation.
The hearing, scheduled for 10 June, follows the release of over three million documents by the justice department earlier this year. These materials detailed Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein. While Gates has not faced accusations from Epstein’s victims, his inclusion in the investigative records does not absolve him of any wrongdoing. The justice department has made millions of pages public, yet many remain unseen.
Epstein Investigation and Gates’ Role
Legislation enacted in November by former President Trump mandated the justice department to disclose all evidence from its inquiry into Epstein. This process revealed details about Gates’ ties to the financier. In a recent meeting with staff from his foundation, Gates acknowledged his connections to Epstein and expressed accountability for his actions.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the Gates Foundation stated in a release.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates confessed to having two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein later discovered. He described his relationship with Epstein as one where “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” Earlier this year, Gates discussed his links to Epstein during an interview with 9News, emphasizing that their interactions were confined to dinners and he never visited Epstein’s island.
“Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that,” Gates said.
A later statement from Gates’ team clarified that the Microsoft co-founder had not attended social gatherings with Epstein and was not involved in any illegal activities linked to 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 horrific activities he was part of,” the spokesperson added.
The House Oversight Committee’s request for Gates’ testimony was made in March, aligning with other notable appearances. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, testified in February, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi are anticipated to speak soon.
