Topline
Billionaire Bill Gates will speak with the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein—telling reporters he was “glad” to “help with the committee’s work”—as the Microsoft cofounder has come under increasing scrutiny for his dealings with the late financier since the Epstein files were released.
Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates arrives to testify before the House Oversight Committee on June 10 in Washington, DC.
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Key Facts
Gates is sitting for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee, which will take place behind closed doors and will not be videotaped, though the transcript is expected to be publicly released.
Gates has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, but had a lengthy professional relationship with the financier, meeting with him multiple times between 2011 and 2014 about plans for a wealth fund that were ultimately unsuccessful.
Gates has called his relationship with Epstein a “huge mistake” and confirmed he had affairs with women that the financier knew about, but his office has denied allegations Epstein made about Gates in the Epstein files as being “absolutely absurd,” including that Gates used drugs, had “illicit trysts” and contracted a sexually transmitted disease and then “surreptitiously” gave antibiotics for the disease to then-wife Melinda French Gates.
Crucial Quote
“I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify, to help with the committee’s work,” Gates told reporters Wednesday before entering the deposition. “I’ll start with an opening statement in the hearing room. I hope my testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims.”
What to Watch for
Gates’ interview will take place Wednesday, and a transcript will likely be released shortly thereafter. In addition to the House Oversight Committee’s probe looking into Gates’ relationship with Epstein, the Gates Foundation is also conducting its own investigation into Gates, which is reportedly still ongoing.
Surprising Fact
Gates has hired the House Oversight Committee’s former counsel to help him prepare for his interview, The New York Times reported Tuesday, raising potential concerns about the optics given advisor Jake Greenberg worked himself on the committee’s Epstein investigation before leaving the committee in December. Greenberg will not be present at Gates’ interview Wednesday, the Times reports, as ethics rules bar officials like him from working directly with lawmakers for a year after they leave Capitol Hill.
Forbes Valuation
Forbes estimates Gates’ net worth at $104.1 billion as of Wednesday morning, making him the 19th richest person in the world.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
Further Reading
What We Know About Bill Gates’ Connection To Jeffrey Epstein—As Billionaire Prepares To Testify (Forbes)