co-founder of microsoft bill gates Testifying before Congress this week, he made a series of compelling personal and political claims, focusing on his past relationships with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates spoke about his marriage, his interactions with Epstein and allegations that private information was used against him after their relationship soured, the Daily Mail reported.
Here are five explosive claims Gates made during his testimony.
1. Gates admitted he had an affair during his marriage
Gates admits he was unfaithful during marriage Melinda French Gates.
“I was unfaithful in my marriage. These matters have nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they are painful for my family,” he said in a prepared statement.
2. Epstein learned of sensitive personal information
Gates said Epstein began to learn sensitive details about his personal life, including his extramarital affairs.
He told lawmakers that the messages later became part of the messaging Epstein used when he interacted with him after their relationship soured.
3. Epstein tried to weaponize these secrets
Gates claims Epstein tried to use knowledge of his personal life as leverage. He said Epstein sought to “weaponize” information about his marriage and extramarital affairs to pressure or influence him.
4. Gates claims Epstein tried to lure him back into their relationship
Gates testified that Epstein used “many lies” about private details to try to regain influence and draw him back into their association.
That effort ultimately failed, he said, adding that Epstein’s actions showed how he tried to manipulate relationships.
5. Limited interaction
Gates told the committee he first met Epstein in 2011 through an introduction related to a charity fundraiser.
He said he knew Epstein had had previous legal problems but didn’t fully understand the extent of his crimes at the time. “I was briefed but not vetted as much as I should have been,” Gates said.
He added that his interactions were “limited” and ended in 2014.
The testimony comes as the House Oversight Committee continues to scrutinize Epstein’s network and the government’s handling of the case, including ties to high-profile individuals.
Epstein was charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors and committed suicide in prison while awaiting trial. His past associations and previously released emails and documents continue to spark public and political scrutiny.
Gates has previously described his relationship with Epstein as a “huge mistake” while insisting his involvement was limited to meetings and discussions primarily related to philanthropy and fundraising.
