Bill Gates Says Epstein Tried to Use His Extramarital Affairs Against Him
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein used information about Gates's extramarital affairs to pressure him into re-engaging after Gates had begun to sever ties with Epstein.
- Gates expressed regret for associating with Epstein but stated he never witnessed Epstein engage in criminal conduct nor did he ever victimize anyone.
- The committee is investigating the Justice Department's handling of Epstein-related cases, with Gates's interactions with Epstein coming under scrutiny since Epstein's 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges.
- Gates acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a serious error in judgment, damaging his reputation and charitable work, and noted that his foundation authorized an external review of his ties to Epstein.