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Bill Gates Tells Lawmakers Meeting Epstein Was a ‘Grave Error in Judgment’ in Closed-Door Hearing
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Elections & Politics

Bill Gates Tells Lawmakers Meeting Epstein Was a ‘Grave Error in Judgment’ in Closed-Door Hearing

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Bill Gates stated in a closed-door hearing that meeting with Jeffrey Epstein was a "grave error in judgment."
  • Gates testified voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the government's failure to protect victims of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • He asserted he never witnessed Epstein's criminal conduct and ended their association in 2014 after Epstein failed to deliver on promises to raise funds for global health initiatives.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates described his past association with Jeffrey Epstein as a "grave error in judgment" during a closed-door testimony before U.S. lawmakers. Gates voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining the government's role in the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking scandal.

I made a grave error in judgment by ever meeting with Jeffrey Epstein.

— Bill GatesIn an opening statement provided to the Associated Press during his testimony before the House Oversight Committee.

In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Gates expressed regret for ever meeting Epstein, stating, "I should never have met with Epstein in the first place." He emphasized that he "never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct." The tech billionaire's testimony comes after his name appeared in documents released by the Justice Department as part of its Epstein probe.

I should never have met with Epstein in the first place.

— Bill GatesIn an opening statement provided to the Associated Press during his testimony before the House Oversight Committee.

Gates explained that he was introduced to Epstein through professional and philanthropic contacts. Epstein had claimed he could help raise substantial funds for global health initiatives, which initially drew Gates' interest. However, Gates stated he ended their relationship in 2014 when it became clear Epstein could not fulfill these promises. He also clarified that he never visited Epstein's infamous island or other properties.

I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.

— Bill GatesIn an opening statement provided to the Associated Press during his testimony before the House Oversight Committee.

"I have never victimized anyone," Gates asserted, adding that while Epstein may have sought a personal relationship, he "never was interested in that and never reciprocated." Documents released by the committee include calendar entries, emails, and photos detailing Gates' interactions with Epstein between 2011 and at least late 2014. Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing and has previously called the relationship "a huge mistake," which also reportedly caused marital strain with his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates.

I hope my testimony is helpful to the work, the important work, of the committee, to find justice for the victims.

— Bill GatesAs he arrived at the Capitol for his testimony.
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Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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