Bill Gates has admitted that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him with painful secrets about his personal life. The Microsoft co-founder, now 70, made the confession during a closed-door hearing before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C.
Epstein's Blackmail Attempt
Gates revealed that Epstein discovered he had been unfaithful to his then-wife Melinda and used that information as leverage after Gates ended their association. In a prepared statement, Gates said: "I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family."
Gates firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating he never witnessed signs of Epstein's ongoing criminal conduct. He claimed Epstein used the affairs, "in addition to many lies that he layered on top," to pressure him into re-engaging. Gates added: "He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda."
Regret Over Association
Expressing deep regret, Gates told lawmakers: "I should never have met with Epstein in the first place." He distanced himself from Epstein's properties, saying: "I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone. While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated."
Gates explained that their initial meeting in 2011 was based on Epstein's claims he could secure billions for global health causes, despite Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Gates said: "I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have."
Fallout and Divorce
The scandal contributed to the end of Gates' 27-year marriage to Melinda French Gates, who divorced him in 2021. Melinda spoke about the trauma, telling NPR: "It's beyond heartbreaking. I remember being those ages those girls were, I remember my daughters being those ages. So, for me, it's personally hard whenever those details come up, right? Because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage."
She later told CBS she was relieved to have moved on, adding: "I am so happy to be away from all the muck."
External Review and Denials
The Gates Foundation has launched an external review, reiterating that no collaboration occurred and no money changed hands. Gates testified after the Justice Department released over three million Epstein-related files, including a bizarre draft email Epstein wrote pretending to be Gates' science adviser. The email falsely alleged Gates had an STD and sought antibiotics for Melinda. A Gates spokesperson called the claims "absolutely absurd and completely false," proving "the lengths he [Epstein] would go to entrap and defame."
