Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door interview as congressional lawmakers continue their investigation into now-deceased convicted pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his ties to many of the world’s most prominent figures in business and politics.
The billionaire “philanthropist” and tech guru agreed of his own volition to sit down for the transcribed interview which was overseen by the GOP-led committee chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-KY). As of this writing, Gates has not been accused of any official wrongdoing, though there are a whole lot of rumors swirling about that he may have been involved in shady activity due to his Epstein connections.
A spokesperson representing Gates stated that he welcomed the opportunity to cooperate with investigators. “While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work,” the spokesperson said. The tech mogul has repeatedly acknowledged that he had a relationship with the convicted sex trafficker and that it was a mistake.
According to a report from Trending Politics News, Gates spoke with Australia’s 9News earlier this year and said, “Every minute that I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that.” The Microsoft founder met with Epstein several times between 2011 and 2014, years after the disgraced billionaire pleaded guilty to sex-related charges involving a minor in the state of Florida.
The renewed look at the connection between the two men comes as House investigators continue to delve deep into records tied to Epstein and his many dealings with influential people. Comer explained that the panel’s work is aimed at revealing information surrounding Epstein’s network to ensure complete transparency.
Gates’ appearance before the committee is one of the highest-profile interviews they have conducted during its time looking into the Epstein files. The financier’s life and work has been the source of a lot of speculation ever since his death in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges at the time. His death has been ruled a suicide, but the circumstances surrounding his passing have remained clouded in mystery, leading some to believe foul play may have been involved.
“Based on what I know now, I understand that even if he had delivered the new donors he promised, it would not have justified associating with him,” Gates went on to say about Epstein. “I want to state very clearly: I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone.”
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According to CNBC, Gates also acknowledged that his ties to Epstein have imperiled the work of his nonprofit organization, the Gates Foundation, which is considered to be one of the largest philanthropic groups in the world, with an endowment of over $70 billion. “In the work I do, reputation is the basis for developing partnerships that save lives,” Gates explained.
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