Tech mogul Bill Gates clarified his stance and relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein during a transcribed interview with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading global philanthropist, emphasized his lack of interest in forming a personal connection with Epstein, despite their interactions following Epstein's 2008 sex crime conviction.

During the session, which took place on Wednesday as part of the committee's investigation into Epstein's activities, Gates asserted his unawareness of Epstein’s ongoing criminal activities. "I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct,” Gates said, according to his prepared remarks. He also stressed that he never visited Epstein's notorious properties or participated in any misconduct: "I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone."

The billionaire has faced scrutiny due to his documented ties with Epstein, including appearances in photos and emails released by Epstein's estate and the Justice Department. However, Gates maintained that his initial contact with Epstein in 2011 was purely for philanthropic fundraising, where Epstein "claimed he could raise billions of dollars for global health."

Gates acknowledged a lapse in judgment for not scrutinizing Epstein's background enough at the time of their introduction. He severed ties with Epstein in 2014 after realizing that the promised donations from Epstein's contacts would not materialize, and expressed regret for the association: "I should never have met with Epstein in the first place. Based on what I know now, I understand that even if he had delivered the new donors he promised, it would not have justified associating with him."

Adding to the complexity of their relationship, Gates revealed that Epstein had access to personal details about his life, which he attempted to use as leverage. "Epstein learned sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage, and used it to pressure me to re-engage with him. He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda," Gates explained.

The testimony sheds light on Gates' efforts to distance himself from Epstein and the subsequent challenges he faced due to their past interactions. As the committee continues its investigation, further details may emerge, but Gates' statements contribute significant insights into the high-profile connections Epstein maintained.