Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to leverage information about his extramarital affairs to pressure him into renewed dealings. The Microsoft co-founder testified that Epstein gathered personal details to create leverage, a tactic the sex offender used with others in his orbit.

Their relationship began in 2011 when Gates accepted an introduction to Epstein, who had previously pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. Gates acknowledged he failed to properly vet Epstein before their meetings, which focused on establishing a donor-advised fund that would have provided tax advantages for charitable giving.

The fund discussions involved JPMorgan Chase bankers, as Epstein sought fees for his advisory role. However, the partnership never materialized and Gates severed ties by late 2014. He maintained he never witnessed Epstein's criminal conduct firsthand, though the association has since damaged his reputation and contributed to his divorce.

Gates called meeting Epstein a grave error that threatened his philanthropic mission, which relies on reputation to forge partnerships saving lives. His foundation recently authorized an external review of these ties amid ongoing congressional investigations into Epstein's network, including payments from Leon Black totaling $170 million for tax services.