Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is expected to testify behind closed doors before the U.S. House Oversight Committee following renewed scrutiny of his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The committee requested Gates’ voluntary cooperation after the release of documents linked to Epstein earlier this year prompted fresh questions about the nature and extent of their interactions. Lawmakers from both major political parties are expected to question Gates about his meetings with Epstein and what he knew during the period they were in contact.
The interview is among the most high-profile congressional inquiries connected to the continuing review of records related to Epstein’s network of associates.
According to reports, some of the recently released documents include draft emails allegedly written by Epstein in 2013. The drafts contain a number of claims concerning Gates’ personal life and references to interactions between the two men. However, the allegations remain unverified, and there is no evidence that the emails were ever sent.
Importantly, Gates has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
A spokesperson for Gates previously dismissed the claims contained in the documents, describing them as “absolutely absurd and completely false.” The spokesperson said the materials reflected Epstein’s attempts to damage Gates’ reputation after their relationship ended.
Gates has repeatedly acknowledged that meeting with Epstein was a mistake. In previous interviews, he expressed regret over their association and said he deeply regretted spending time with the convicted financier.
“Every minute I spent with him I regret,” Gates said in an earlier interview, adding that he never visited Epstein’s private island, never attended parties with him, and was not involved in any illegal activities connected to Epstein.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the committee is not accusing Gates of wrongdoing but is seeking clarification about the relationship.
“We just want to ask what he knew and if he saw certain things,” Comer said, adding that investigators intend to conduct a thorough review of the matter.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia also said questions remain about why Gates continued interacting with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.
Gates is expected to answer questions during the closed-door session as lawmakers continue examining Epstein’s connections with prominent figures in business, politics, and philanthropy.