politics
Bill Gates Tells House Committee Epstein Considered Blackmail but Did Not Act
The House Oversight Committee released transcripts on June 23 showing Gates testified that Epstein made veiled threats tied to extramarital affairs. Gates said he met Epstein in 2011 and knew of his prior conviction.
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Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein contemplated blackmailing him over extramarital affairs, according to a transcript released June 23. Gates said Epstein never carried out the blackmail but that emails raised a serious probability he considered it. He described the messages as veiled threats to expose the affairs.
Gates stated he met Epstein in 2011 and had several encounters beyond email exchanges. He added that Epstein never introduced him to young women. Gates said he knew Epstein had a criminal conviction of a sexual nature when they met and that he probably should have investigated the details.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida that required him to register as a sex offender. Gates told the committee he is not accused of any wrongdoing tied to Epstein. After the June 10 closed-door session he said he appreciated the chance to answer questions and supports releasing all files to aid justice for victims.
The committee also released the transcript of its June 9 interview with Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime secretary. Groff said she never witnessed anything illegal during her 18 years working for him.
