Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation
Bill Gates set to testify before US Congress in Epstein investigation
Lawmakers have confirmed that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is scheduled to appear before the U.S. Congress in June to address his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The billionaire philanthropist is among the prominent individuals to participate in the House Oversight Committee’s inquiry into Epstein’s misconduct.
The hearing, planned for 10 June, will focus on Gates’ interactions with Epstein. While no criminal charges have been filed against him by Epstein’s victims, his involvement in the case has been noted in over three million documents disclosed by the justice department earlier this year. These records are part of a broader release of materials from the Epstein investigation, though many more remain unshared.
Testimony Context and Statements
Details of Gates’ communications and relationship with Epstein emerged after last November’s legislation, signed by former President Donald Trump, mandated the disclosure of all evidence from the investigation. A Gates spokesperson shared that the co-founder is eager to address the committee’s inquiries, aiming to assist their work. The foundation emphasized Gates’ willingness to take responsibility for his actions during a meeting with staff.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the Gates Foundation stated in a release. The Wall Street Journal reported Gates admitted to two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein later discovered, and claimed, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”
Earlier this year, Gates also spoke to 9News in Australia, describing his interactions with Epstein as limited to dinners and noting he did not visit the financier’s island. “Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologise that I did that,” he said. A spokesperson later clarified that Gates had never attended social events with Epstein and was not involved in any illegal activities linked to the late financier.
Other High-Profile Witnesses
The committee’s request for Gates’ testimony came as part of a series of public appearances. In February, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, testified. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi are also expected to provide statements in the coming weeks.
