Bill Gates Admits "Meeting Epstein Was a Serious Lapse in Judgment," Denies Knowledge or Involvement in Sex Crimes

Admits to Infidelity but Denies Involvement in Epstein's Crimes
Release of Justice Department Documents Rekindles Ties to Prominent Figures

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, admitted before the U.S. Congress that his past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein was "a serious lapse in judgment." However, he completely denied any allegations that he was aware of Epstein's sex crimes or was involved in related activities.

On June 11, Yonhap News, citing CNN and other sources, reported that Gates testified about his relationship with Epstein at a closed hearing of the U.S. House Oversight Committee on this day. Epstein was a figure who died in a New York jail in 2019 while under investigation for charges including the sexual exploitation of minors.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates acknowledged before the U.S. Congress that his past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein was a "serious lapse in judgment." However, he fully denied any allegations that he was aware of Epstein's sexual crimes or involved in related activities. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

In his opening statement, Gates declared, "I have never witnessed Epstein continuously engaging in criminal acts, nor have I ever become aware of such circumstances." He went on to say, "I have never visited his island, ranch, or Florida residence," emphasizing, "I have never caused harm to anyone." Gates explained that he was first introduced to Epstein in 2011. At that time, Epstein reportedly claimed he could raise billions of dollars in donations for global health initiatives. Gates stated, "I was aware that Epstein had legal issues in the past, but I did not grasp the seriousness of the crimes he had committed," adding, "I accepted the introduction without the due diligence I should have conducted."

Gates insisted that his interactions with Epstein were limited. He also stated that the expected fundraising never materialized and that he completely severed ties in December 2014. However, Gates claimed that Epstein attempted to maintain a relationship with him. He explained that Epstein learned personal information about his extramarital affairs during his marriage and tried to use this knowledge to reconnect. Gates said, "Although his attempts were unsuccessful, it shows how he tried to leverage his relationship with me to serve his own purposes."

Gates claimed that his interactions with Epstein were limited. He also stated that the expected fundraising did not materialize, and he completely severed ties in December 2014. Photo by AP and Yonhap News.

Regarding his own infidelity, Gates said, "It had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but it was a painful matter for my family." Previously, it had been reported that Gates admitted during meetings with staff at his foundation that he had two extramarital affairs with Russian women. At that time as well, he clarified, "I did not do anything illegal, and I have never witnessed anything illegal."

The relationship between Gates and Epstein drew renewed attention after the U.S. Department of Justice released documents related to the Epstein case. The released materials reportedly included records that Gates met with Epstein several times while he was alive. The House Oversight Committee requested Gates appear before Congress and participate in a recorded interview in March, and Gates complied with this request.

Even after being convicted in 2008 on charges related to soliciting prostitution from a minor, Epstein continued to maintain broad connections with figures in politics, business, and academia, causing controversy. He was arrested again in 2019 on charges of sexual exploitation of minors but died in jail before his trial. On this day, Gates reiterated, "I should never have met Epstein in the first place," and emphasized, "Meeting with him was a grave mistake in my judgment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.