Bill Gates Congressional Testimony Before the House Oversight Committee
Overview
On June 10, 2026, Microsoft cofounder and philanthropist Bill Gates appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and the networks that allowed Epstein to cultivate relationships with influential individuals. Gates voluntarily testified regarding his interactions with Epstein between 2011 and 2014, the role of former Gates advisor Boris Nikolic, Epstein’s attempts to insert himself into Gates Foundation philanthropy, and allegations that Epstein later sought to leverage personal information about Gates.
The testimony represents one of the most detailed public accounts to date regarding Gates’ relationship with Epstein and provides insight into how Epstein attempted to build credibility and influence through connections to prominent figures.
Gates Acknowledges Relationship with Epstein
In his opening statement, Gates acknowledged that he met Jeffrey Epstein for the first time in January 2011 at Epstein’s Manhattan residence after an introduction from Boris Nikolic, a science advisor who worked within Gates’ private office. Gates testified that he continued limited interactions with Epstein through late 2014.
According to Gates, the relationship was never a friendship. Instead, discussions centered primarily on philanthropy, global health initiatives, donor networks, and Epstein’s claims that he could help secure major charitable contributions for global health programs. Gates stated that Epstein repeatedly claimed he had access to wealthy individuals capable of contributing billions of dollars toward philanthropic causes.
Gates Knew About Epstein’s Criminal Conviction
One of the most significant admissions in the testimony is that Gates acknowledged knowing about Epstein’s criminal conviction before their first meeting.
Gates testified that he was aware Epstein had been convicted of a sex related offense prior to their January 2011 dinner. However, he stated that he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein’s crimes and did not investigate the details thoroughly. He described this failure as a serious mistake in judgment.
Gates further testified that he did not become fully aware of the scope of Epstein’s abuse until reporting published in 2018 revealed additional details regarding Epstein’s activities and victims.
Epstein’s Efforts to Build Influence Through Philanthropy
Throughout the testimony, Gates described Epstein’s repeated efforts to position himself as a facilitator of major charitable giving.
According to Gates, Epstein claimed he advised wealthy individuals on tax and estate matters and could encourage them to direct significant funds toward global health initiatives. Gates testified that these discussions became more serious between 2013 and 2014, but ultimately produced no results. No charitable vehicle was established and no funds were raised through Epstein’s efforts.
By late 2014, Gates concluded that Epstein’s promises were unlikely to materialize and terminated contact with him.
Rejection of Social Invitations
A recurring theme in Gates’ testimony was his claim that he deliberately avoided socializing with Epstein.
Gates testified that Epstein repeatedly attempted to deepen their relationship by extending invitations to social events and private gatherings. According to Gates, he declined invitations to Epstein’s private island and rejected other social opportunities that would have expanded the relationship beyond professional discussions.
He further testified that he never visited Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida residence.
Testimony Regarding Women Associated with Epstein
Committee investigators questioned Gates extensively about women connected to Epstein and whether he ever observed inappropriate conduct.
Gates testified that he never witnessed Epstein engaging in sexual activity, never observed Epstein receiving massages from young women, and was never offered women or girls by Epstein or his associates. He stated that he was generally unaware of the activities that later became central to criminal investigations.
Gates acknowledged seeing female administrative assistants at Epstein’s properties but testified that he was not introduced to them and had minimal interaction with them.
Boris Nikolic and Epstein’s Access to Personal Information
A substantial portion of the testimony focused on Boris Nikolic, a former Gates advisor who introduced Gates to Epstein.
Gates testified that Nikolic became aware of two extramarital affairs involving Gates and that he believes Nikolic was the source of Epstein’s knowledge regarding those relationships. Gates stated that he later learned through released Epstein documents that Nikolic and Epstein had a far more extensive relationship than he realized at the time.
Committee investigators presented several Epstein Data documents that appeared to show Epstein drafting communications and discussing sensitive personal matters involving Gates and Nikolic. Gates testified that he had never seen many of those communications before the release of the Epstein Files Transparency Act records.
Allegations of Pressure and Blackmail
One of the most notable portions of the interview involved allegations that Epstein attempted to use personal information to pressure Gates.
Gates testified that after he ended contact with Epstein, Epstein sought reimbursement for expenses allegedly connected to Mila Antonova, a woman with whom Gates had an affair. Gates stated that he viewed the request as an attempt to reengage him and potentially exert leverage. He testified that he directed his staff not to make any payments and refused to resume contact.
Gates characterized Epstein’s conduct as manipulative and suggested that Epstein used access to sensitive personal information as a means of influence.
Gates Rejects Claims in Epstein Draft Documents
During the interview, committee investigators reviewed draft communications found in Epstein’s files that contained allegations involving drug use, affairs, and other misconduct.
Gates firmly denied claims that he had requested drugs through Nikolic, denied engaging in illegal conduct, and denied many assertions contained within the draft materials. He testified that he believed some of the allegations may have been fabricated or exaggerated for leverage purposes.
Gates Reflects on the Relationship
Throughout the testimony, Gates repeatedly described meeting Epstein as a significant error in judgment.
He stated that he allowed the possibility of raising funds for global health initiatives to override concerns about Epstein’s reputation. Gates testified that he now understands how Epstein used relationships with influential individuals to create an appearance of legitimacy and that he regrets any credibility his association may have provided.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Gates testified that he met Jeffrey Epstein in January 2011 and ended contact in late 2014.
- Gates acknowledged knowing Epstein had a prior sex related conviction before their first meeting.
- Gates stated that he never visited Epstein’s island, ranch, or Florida residence.
- Gates testified that no charitable funds were raised through Epstein despite years of discussions.
- Gates denied witnessing any criminal conduct by Epstein.
- Gates testified that Boris Nikolic introduced him to Epstein.
- Gates stated that Nikolic likely informed Epstein about Gates’ affairs.
- Gates denied claims that he sought drugs or engaged in illegal conduct.
- Gates testified that Epstein later attempted to leverage personal information against him.
- Gates described his association with Epstein as a major mistake in judgment.
Related EpsteinWiki Articles
- Jeffrey Epstein
- Ghislaine Maxwell
- Boris Nikolic
- Lesley Groff Congressional Testimony
- Epstein Files Transparency Act
Evidence Files
Additional records referenced during the interview are available through the Epstein Data archive and the Department of Justice releases.
Sources
- House Oversight Committee Release of Gates and Groff Transcripts
- Bill Gates Congressional Transcript
- Epstein Data Archive
Conclusion
Bill Gates’ June 2026 testimony provides a detailed account of his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and offers insight into how Epstein sought to cultivate relationships with prominent individuals through philanthropy, influence, and access. While Gates denied knowledge of criminal conduct and characterized the relationship as limited, the testimony sheds new light on Epstein’s efforts to build credibility through associations with global leaders and major philanthropic organizations.