Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to answer lawmakers' questions about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The voluntary testimony came after the US Department of Justice released over three million pages of criminal investigation documents containing thousands of references to Gates.
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Unsent Draft Emails and Allegations
The uncorroborated files included draft emails written by Epstein to himself in July 2013, alleging that he facilitated illicit sexual encounters for Gates and helped secure medication for a sexually transmitted infection.
House Oversight Chair James Comer stated that investigators had no limitations on questioning. "We just have questions.
I'm not accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing," Comer said.
The Kentucky Republican added that Gates was willing to speak despite not being eager to testify. "Anything's on the table," Comer noted.
Gates has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing. A representative called the allegations "absolutely absurd and completely false."
"The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates," the representative said.
Gates previously admitted that meeting with Epstein was "a serious error in judgment" but unequivocally denied any improper conduct.
Gates' Regret and Limited Interactions
During an interview in February, Gates addressed the unsent draft messages. "Apparently Jeffrey wrote an email to himself.
That email was never sent, the email is, you know, false," he said.
Gates clarified the nature of his interactions: "It's factually true that I was only at dinners. I never went to the island.
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I never met any women."
He expressed regret for giving credibility to Epstein.
"It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there," Gates said.
Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the timeline, noting Gates continued communicating with Epstein after his 2008 prostitution conviction.
"Why continue that relationship? Who else did he see?
What else might he know?" asked Representative Robert Garcia.
Committee members also questioned whether Epstein attempted to blackmail Gates.
"We want to know whether Epstein wanted to influence Gates or even whether he blackmailed him," said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.
DOJ documents revealed a December 2014 message exchange showing continued contact.
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Gates wrote, "I enjoyed the breakfast a lot," and Epstein responded with an invitation to his private island, which records do not indicate Gates accepted.
