Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to appear before a congressional panel on Wednesday as lawmakers continue examining documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The closed-door interview before the House Oversight Committee makes Gates the latest high-profile figure to answer questions as part of the panel’s review of Epstein-related records. Transcripts from such interviews are often released publicly at a later date.
Committee Chairman James Comer requested Gates’ testimony after documents released during the Justice Department’s Epstein investigation included references to meetings, emails and events involving the tech billionaire.
The records contain calendar entries for meetings between Gates and Epstein, correspondence discussing philanthropic initiatives, and photographs showing the pair attending some of the same events.
Gates has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse and has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s crimes.
According to previously released documents, Gates and Epstein began meeting in 2011, several years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Their contact reportedly continued until at least 2014.
Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges involving underage girls. Prosecutors alleged he operated a wide-ranging network that enabled years of abuse. Epstein died in jail later that year while awaiting trial.
Gates has publicly described his association with Epstein as “a huge mistake,” saying their conversations focused on philanthropy and global health initiatives.
The Gates Foundation has also addressed the relationship, stating that some employees met with Epstein after he claimed he could help attract funding for global health projects. The foundation says no joint charitable fund was ever created and no payments were made to Epstein.
The issue has remained a sensitive chapter in Gates’ public life. Both Gates and his former wife, Melinda French Gates, have acknowledged that his meetings with Epstein created strain within their marriage.
The Gates Foundation launched an external review earlier this year to examine its past interactions with Epstein.
Gates is not the first major public figure to face questions from lawmakers. Former President Bill Clinton was interviewed by the committee earlier this year regarding his past association with Epstein. Clinton has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Lawmakers have also debated whether other figures with documented past ties to Epstein should be called to testify. Democrats on the committee have urged testimony from President Donald Trump, while Republicans have said they have found no evidence that Trump engaged in wrongdoing related to Epstein.
As Congress continues its review, Gates’ testimony is expected to draw fresh attention to the network of powerful figures who crossed paths with Epstein over the years — even as many insist they had no knowledge of his crimes.
