Bill Gates reveals how Jeffrey Epstein tried to blackmail him over secret affairs

Bill Gates told members of Congress that he ‘did not fully understand the extent’ of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes when he associated with the late convicted sex offender to raise money for his philanthropic foundation https://t.co/rVJCgKISx1 pic.twitter.com/Bifq1s78fh

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 11, 2026

Gates calls the relationship a ‘grave error’

Gates reiterated that his association with Epstein was a “grave error in judgment”. According to Reuters, Gates said he initially met Epstein in the hope that the financier could help raise money for global health and philanthropic initiatives, but later concluded that Epstein could not deliver on those promises and ended contact.

Questions over meetings and donations

According to The New York Times, Gates met Epstein several times after the financier’s 2008 conviction, including meetings in New York and discussions involving philanthropy. The newspaper reported that Gates later described those interactions as a mistake and acknowledged that he had underestimated the reputational risks associated with maintaining contact with Epstein.

Testimony before congressional panel

Reuters reported that Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers examined Epstein’s network and the handling of investigations into his activities. During the testimony, Gates said Epstein attempted to use personal information against him after their relationship ended. He also maintained that his interactions with Epstein were related to philanthropic interests and that he severed ties when it became clear that Epstein could not support those efforts.