Bill Gates Reveals Congress Testimony On Epstein's Alleged Blackmail Threat Discussions

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told members of the US Congress that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein appeared to be considering blackmailing him by using information about his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of closed-door testimony. Gates said that while he was never directly blackmailed, emails and interactions with Epstein suggested that the disgraced financier was moving in that direction in an effort to regain influence over him.

Speaking before lawmakers, Gates referred to documents from the Epstein investigation released by the US Department of Justice in January. He said the communications indicated that Epstein was attempting to leverage personal information about his private life to pressure him into re-engaging with him. According to the transcript, Gates described the messages as containing “veiled” threats rather than explicit demands. He said Epstein appeared to be exploring ways to use knowledge of his infidelities to establish renewed contact after their relationship had cooled.

“I was not blackmailed, but you know, as you look at these emails, it looks like Mr. Epstein’s brainstorming was going in that direction,” Gates told Congress. He added that some of Epstein’s messages carried indirect suggestions that maintaining a friendly relationship would be beneficial. Gates recalled one such approach as containing the implication that “we should all want to be friends,” which he interpreted as an attempt to exert subtle pressure. Despite this, he said he made it clear that any effort to influence him through personal information would fail.

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Gates told lawmakers that he directly confronted the issue and informed Epstein that he would not provide money or support in response to any threats. According to the transcript, he said he was prepared to accept the personal and reputational consequences of any information becoming public rather than allow himself to be manipulated. “If you think you’re going to get more money out of this, it’s not going to happen,” Gates said, adding that he would “bear the pain” if details about his personal life were disclosed.

The testimony also touched on Gates’ past extramarital affairs, which he has publicly acknowledged in recent years. Gates and Melinda French Gates ended their 27-year marriage in 2021, with both later acknowledging challenges in their relationship. Addressing Congress, Gates stressed that his affairs had no connection to Epstein. However, he alleged that Epstein sought to use information about those affairs, along with what he described as false claims, to pressure him into renewing contact. He said the situation caused significant distress to his family and remained one of the most painful aspects of the controversy.

During the hearing, Gates also provided details about the extent of his interactions with Epstein. He said he met the financier approximately 12 to 14 times over a four-year period and participated in two Skype calls with him. Gates has previously expressed regret over those meetings, saying he misjudged Epstein and should never have associated with him. The congressional testimony offers new insight into Gates’ view of the relationship and his belief that Epstein attempted to use personal information as a tool of influence before the financier’s downfall and death in 2019.

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