Bill Gates disclosed in a congressional interview that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to use compromising information about Gates' extramarital affairs to re-engage with him after their relationship ended. Gates, who met with Epstein at least a dozen times between 2011 and 2014, said Epstein used an adviser to send veiled threats and mixed fact and fiction to pressure him. Gates emphasized he was not blackmailed but acknowledged Epstein's emails suggested a potential blackmail strategy.
Gates also revealed that Epstein pitched himself as a conduit to billionaires for philanthropic funding, claiming he could help raise billions for global health initiatives. Gates expressed regret for the meetings, stating he now sees Epstein sought to build legitimacy post-conviction. Gates cooperated with law enforcement investigations into Epstein's sex-trafficking operation and apologized for allowing Epstein to use him to improve his reputation.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty to sex offenses in 2008 and died in jail in 2019, was under investigation for sex-trafficking charges at the time of his death. Gates has not been accused of any sexual misconduct related to Epstein.