Photo Credit:Getty Images
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 regarding his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers confirmed that the billionaire philanthropist will appear as part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s activities and connections. A spokesperson for Gates stated that he is prepared to answer all questions to assist the committee in its ongoing work.
Gates has not been accused of misconduct by any of Epstein's victims, and his inclusion in investigative files does not imply any criminal activity. Details about Gates communications and relationship with Epstein were included in more than three million documents released earlier this year by the justice department. The department has released millions of documents, but millions more remain undisclosed.
Last November, Trump signed legislation passed by Congress requiring the justice department to release all material from its investigations into Epstein which is how details of Gates connection became public. The philanthropist addressed his links to the convicted sex offender during a meeting with staff from his charitable foundation and took responsibility for his actions. Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, the Gates Foundation said in a statement.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates apologised to staff, said he had two affairs with Russian women which Epstein later found out about, and in relation to the late financier said: "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit. Earlier this year, Gates, in an interview with 9News in Australia spoke publicly about his ties with Epstein, saying his interactions were limited to dinners and that he did not visit Epstein's island.
Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologise that I did that, Gates said. In a statement, a spokesperson for Gates later said the Microsoft co-founder had never attended parties with the late financier and had no involvement in illegal activities associated with Epstein.