The House Oversight Committee released the transcript of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ closed-door testimony from June 10, 2026, detailing his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates expressed regret over the meetings, which he said were initially aimed at securing philanthropic support for global health initiatives through Epstein’s connections.
In the interview, Gates acknowledged knowing of Epstein’s 2008 conviction yet continued limited contact. He described Epstein appearing to contemplate blackmail regarding Gates’ extramarital affairs but stated he was never actually blackmailed. Gates denied witnessing illegal activities or visiting Epstein’s private island or properties extensively.
The release has sparked intense controversy, renewing scrutiny of elite connections to Epstein’s sex trafficking network and questions about accountability for powerful figures. Critics demand fuller transparency and further investigation into any potential influence or cover-ups. Supporters of Gates note his cooperation and denial of wrongdoing, framing the testimony as an effort to clarify limited past associations.
The transcript adds to ongoing congressional review of federal handling of the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. It has fueled public outrage, conspiracy theories, and partisan finger-pointing over justice for victims versus protection of the powerful. Additional testimonies and document releases are expected, keeping the scandal at the center of debates on elite impunity and institutional failures.
