Bill Gates says Epstein wanted a personal relationship but he 'never reciprocated'

Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee that he never had a personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He said he cut ties when Epstein could not deliver on fundraising for his philanthropic efforts. Speaking at a closed-door hearing in Washington, Gates explained Epstein pressed for access to influential people and used his past infidelities to pressure him. Gates emphasized that he never witnessed ongoing criminal conduct and never visited Epstein's island, ranch, or Florida home. Gates acknowledged traveling on a private jet with Epstein and appearing in a photo near Epstein's pilot, but denied any wrongdoing. He noted that prosecutors released documents showing Gates's name in photos and emails with Epstein, though he maintains no knowledge of illegal activity. Gates urged that Epstein's survivors deserve justice, and the testimony reflected Epstein's reach into powerful circles and raised questions about how closely public figures were connected.