Bill Gates tells Congress that meeting Epstein was 'a grave error in judgment'

Updated on: June 10, 2026 / 7:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Bill Gates tells Congress that meeting Epstein was 'a grave error in judgment'

TL;DR

  • Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Gates described meeting Epstein as a "grave error in judgment" that jeopardized his philanthropic work.
  • He stated he never witnessed or suspected Epstein's criminal conduct and denied visiting Epstein's properties.
  • Gates claimed Epstein attempted to leverage knowledge of his extramarital affairs to pressure him for philanthropic engagement.
  • Discussions between Gates and Epstein about philanthropic funds occurred between 2011 and 2014 and were a "dead-end."
  • Gates denied ever spending time with Epstein socially or reciprocating any desire for a personal relationship.
  • Epstein sent emails in 2013 containing unverified allegations about Gates' extramarital affairs and alleged attempts to secretly give medication to Melinda Gates.
  • Gates admitted to having affairs in a 2021 town hall with staff.
  • The committee is examining the government's handling of the Epstein case and those with ties to him.