Why is Bill Gates testifying in Epstein probe? What we know so far

Bill Gates is set to testify before a US congressional committee investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell on June 10, a source familiar with the matter told AFP.

The testimony is expected to take place as a closed-door, transcribed interview which is a format previously used for high-profile figures including former US leaders, according to the report.

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Gates ‘welcomes’ testimony opportunity

A spokesperson for Gates said he is prepared to cooperate with the panel’s inquiry. “While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee's questions,” the spokesperson said in a statement to AFP.

Gates has previously acknowledged that his association with Epstein was a “huge mistake”.

Links surface in Justice Department documents

Gates’ name appears in documents released by the US Justice Department that detail Epstein’s network of contacts and associations.

According to AFP, the records reference interactions between the two, including claims made by Epstein regarding Gates’ personal life. Gates has admitted to extramarital relationships but has denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said during an internal town hall, as cited in reports.

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Background of the case

Epstein, a financier with extensive global connections, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.

Gates has said his association with Epstein began in 2011, several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty in a prostitution-related case. He also acknowledged that concerns were raised by his then-wife Melinda in 2013. The upcoming testimony is part of a broader congressional effort to examine Epstein’s network and the extent of his influence.