Bill Gates received 'veiled threats' from Jeffrey Epstein over affairs, Congress told

Bill Gates informed members of the U.S. Congress that he received "veiled threats" from the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein concerning his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of his testimony released Tuesday. The Microsoft co-founder testified behind closed doors on June 10 before the House Oversight Committee regarding his friendship with the financier, who died in prison in 2019 awaiting trial for sex offenses.

According to the transcript, Gates described Epstein's threats as "veiled" and suggested Epstein sought to use his knowledge of Gates's affairs to compel him to remain associated with him, even as Gates was trying to distance himself. "I was not blackmailed, but, you know, reading these emails, it seems like Mr. Epstein’s ideas were in that direction," Gates stated, referring to documents from the Epstein case.

Gates clarified that he never received anything he would classify as blackmail. However, he added that through draft emails, it appeared Epstein was "rehearsing how he himself, or someone he instructed, might opt to blackmail me, but none of those messages were ever sent to me."

In prior statements, Gates had expressed regret over his association with Epstein, calling it a grave error. He admitted to extramarital affairs with two women but denied any involvement in Epstein's criminal activities. Gates maintained his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, after Epstein had pleaded guilty to child prostitution charges. Gates acknowledged being aware of Epstein's legal issues but stated he was told Epstein was capable of raising significant funds for global health initiatives, a cause Gates was deeply involved in.