Bill Gates appeared before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on June 10 as lawmakers continued a high-profile investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender whose connections to influential figures have drawn renewed scrutiny. During the closed-door testimony, Gates said his interactions with Epstein began after the latter's 2008 conviction and were primarily tied to discussions about potential philanthropic initiatives. Gates told lawmakers he never witnessed criminal activity by Epstein and was unaware of the full scope of his conduct during the period they met.

According to testimony reviewed by multiple news organizations, Gates described his association with Epstein as a "grave error in judgment" and said the relationship ultimately damaged his reputation and risked undermining the work of the Gates Foundation. Gates also told lawmakers that Epstein later attempted to pressure him by using knowledge of his extramarital affairs as leverage in an effort to maintain contact. Gates said those efforts were unsuccessful and emphasized that his personal conduct was unrelated to the meetings he held with Epstein. He further stated that he never visited Epstein's private island, ranch or Florida residence and has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the investigation.