Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has confessed that disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein tried to blackmail him over secrets about his private life. The dramatic revelation was made during a private, closed-door government hearing in Washington.
Epstein's Blackmail Attempt
Epstein discovered that Gates had been unfaithful to his then-wife Melinda and attempted to weaponise this information. Gates admitted that while the affairs were deeply painful for his family, they were unrelated to his actual interactions with Epstein.
The tech mogul explained that Epstein used the personal secrets, along with a layer of lies, in a desperate bid to exert pressure on him. However, Gates stated that the manipulative figure was ultimately unsuccessful in trying to draw him back into his circle.
Regrets Over Meeting Epstein
Gates expressed strong regrets to lawmakers, saying he should never have met with Epstein initially. He explained that their first meeting in 2011 occurred because Epstein claimed he could secure billions for global health causes.
At the time, Gates was aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues but claimed he did not fully understand the extent of his crimes. He admitted accepting the introduction without applying proper scrutiny, despite Epstein already being a convicted sex offender.
Denial of Wrongdoing
Gates firmly denied any wrongdoing and stressed that he never visited Epstein's infamous island, ranch, or Florida home. He also insisted he never witnessed any criminal conduct or reciprocated any interest in a personal relationship with Epstein.
Epstein Files and Divorce
The hearing follows the release of millions of Epstein-related files, which included a bizarre draft email Epstein wrote to himself pretending to be Gates' science adviser. The strange email claimed Gates had contracted an STD from Russian girls, which Gates' team has dismissed as completely false.
The sordid fallout from the Epstein revelations contributed to the breakdown of Gates' 27-year marriage to Melinda, ending in divorce in 2021. Melinda recently spoke about the situation, expressing relief at being away from the turmoil.
