Bill Gates tells court meeting Jeffrey Epstein was a 'grave error', it risked all his reputation

Published 11 June 2026 · tech

Years after questions were first raised about his association with Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Gates has publicly admitted that his connection with the convicted sex offender

Years after questions were first raised about his association with Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Gates has publicly admitted that his connection with the convicted sex offender was a “grave error in judgement” that risked damaging both his reputation and the philanthropic work he has spent decades building. Appearing before the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, the Microsoft co-founder said meeting Epstein was a mistake and apologised if his association helped lend the disgraced financier any credibility. Read Full Story Gates made the remarks during a nearly si hour closed-door deposition before the committee, which is investigating the government's handling of the Epstein case and examining the network of influential figures connected to him. US lawmakers have been questioning several high-profile individuals as part of the ongoing inquiry. In his opening statement, later published on his personal blog, Gates said he fully supports the release of all Epstein-related files and hopes the investigation helps bring justice to victims.

“I should never have met with Epstein in the first place,” Gates said. “Meeting with Epstein was a grave error in judgement and put this work at risk.” The billionaire stressed that he never witnessed any criminal conduct by Epstein and had no indication that such activities were ongoing during their interactions. Gates also said he never visited Epstein's private island, ranch or Florida home, never flew on his plane and never had a personal relationship with him. “I have never victimised anyone,” Gates told lawmakers. “While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated.” Gates says his meetings with Epstein were focused on philanthropy According to Gates, he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through people he trusted in his professional and philanthropic circles. At the time, Epstein claimed he could help raise billions of dollars from wealthy individuals for global health initiatives supported by the Gates Foundation.

Gates said their conversations were primarily focused on potential charitable giving structures and ways to attract major donors. Between 2011 and 2014, the two held several meetings discussing philanthropy, but Gates said the effort ultimately led nowhere. “In 2014, it became clear that no one in the group was interested enough to move forward,” Gates said, adding that no charitable vehicle was ever created and no funds were raised through Epstein. The Microsoft founder acknowledged that he failed to properly scrutinise Epstein despite being aware that he had faced legal issues in the past. Looking back, Gates said he allowed the possibility of raising money for global health causes to override his better judgement. Epstein knew about Gates' personal life The testimony also touched on Epstein's knowledge of Gates' personal life. Gates revealed that Epstein became aware of his extramarital affairs and later attempted to use that information to pressure him into re-engaging with him.