Bill Gates Thought Epstein Business Dealings Were ‘Acceptable’ (Live Updates)

Key Points:

• Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee, denying witnessing any abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and admitting only to associating with him despite knowing Epstein was a registered sex offender; he emphasized his focus was on raising funds for global health.
• Gates stated he met Epstein between 2011 and 2014 to discuss potential philanthropic funding but ended contact after realizing Epstein would not deliver on promises, and he never visited Epstein’s private properties or engaged in any criminal conduct.
• Epstein allegedly attempted to leverage sensitive personal information about Gates, including affairs, to pressure him into re-engagement, but Gates resisted and expressed regret for ever associating with Epstein, calling it a grave error in judgment.
• The House Oversight Committee is also investigating other individuals connected to Epstein, including lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and plans to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding oversight of Epstein files.
• Gates has hired the former House Oversight Committee counsel to prepare for his testimony, raising some ethical concerns, and the Gates Foundation is conducting an ongoing internal investigation into his relationship with Epstein.