Bill Gates’ meeting with Epstein: ‘A serious error in judgment’: Bill Gates says he regrets meeting with Jeffrey Epstein

Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein (Photo/Agency)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a U.S. House panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein that his meeting with the disgraced financier was a “serious error in judgment” as lawmakers scrutinize his past ties to the convicted sex offender.In written opening statements released to reporters, Gates said he “should never have met with Epstein in the first place” and acknowledged that any contact that might have legitimized Epstein’s image was deeply regrettable.“I now see him trying to build an image of legitimacy around himself, using connections with reputable and powerful people to deflect scrutiny and try to restore his reputation. I’m deeply sorry if the time I spent with Epstein gave him any credibility,” Gates said.Gates also told lawmakers that after he severed ties with Epstein, the financier allegedly used “sensitive information about my personal life” to pressure him into reconnecting, though he said he never saw any evidence that Epstein was involved in ongoing criminal conduct, Bloomberg reported.The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein’s broader network of contacts with powerful people after the Justice Department released documents detailing Epstein’s ties in politics, finance and technology.Lawmakers questioned Gates about meetings that took place from about 2011 to 2014, years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.Committee members cited emails, calendar entries and documents suggesting discussions of philanthropy, as well as unsubstantiated claims Epstein made about Gates’ personal and financial problems.Gates told the panel he believed Epstein often “wrote untruthful emails” and denied knowledge of criminal activity linked to him.Gates said he met Epstein through his professional and philanthropic networks and initially approached him about global health funding ideas before ending contact when those proposals did not materialize.He has previously said he never visited Epstein’s private island or property and did not interact with any of the victims.Lawmakers said Gates voluntarily appeared before the committee, which is investigating how Epstein had access to influential figures despite a criminal record and earlier convictions.The investigation is also part of a broader review of possible failures in federal oversight related to Epstein’s activities.Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors and died in custody that same year. He previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges involving procuring a minor for prostitution.The Justice Department has released multiple batches of documents over the past year outlining Epstein’s contacts within an elite network, and all those named have denied wrongdoing.Gates’ ex-wife Melinda French Gates said his relationship with Epstein caused strain in their marriage. Gates also previously called his dealings with Epstein a “huge mistake” and said he regretted meeting him.