Bill Gates informed the House Oversight Committee this month that he believed Jeffrey Epstein considered blackmailing him regarding extramarital affairs. Gates’ remarks came during a June 10 interview as part of a committee investigation into Epstein’s actions. According to the transcript released Tuesday, Gates mentioned that while Epstein never blackmailed him, emails suggested a significant chance Epstein pondered such actions against him.
Earlier in February, Gates admitted to his foundation’s members about having two affairs. He acknowledged that interacting with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” During a town hall with staff, Gates expressed regret over his association with Epstein following the release of emails between them, emphasizing, “I did nothing illicit. I said nothing illicit.”
Gates acknowledged during the interview with the House members that he knew of Epstein’s criminal conviction, involving sexual charges, before they met and admitted he “probably should have” further investigated the details of the conviction. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida, which required him to register as a sex offender. Gates and Epstein met in 2011 and had several interactions, including email exchanges. Gates clarified that he is not accused of any misconduct related to Epstein and stated that Epstein never introduced him to young women.
After the June 10 testimony, Gates released a statement expressing gratitude for the meeting with the House Oversight Committee and the chance to answer their questions. He declared his support for releasing all related files and hoped his participation would aid in achieving justice for Epstein’s victims.
Additionally, the committee released the June 9 transcript of their interview with Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime secretary. During her 18 years working for Epstein, Groff stated she never witnessed any illegal activities.
Leave a Reply