Bill Gates Calls Epstein a "Friend Collector" in Congressional Hearing

Billionaire Bill Gates appeared voluntarily in Washington for a closed‑door hearing before the House Oversight Committee, addressing allegations that he had ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Gates said he had never formed a personal relationship with Epstein and that he had severed ties when the former financier failed to deliver on philanthropic fundraising promises.

"I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone," Gates asserted. "While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated."

Gates told lawmakers that Epstein used knowledge of his marital infidelities to pressure him into renewed engagement. He also confirmed that he had never traveled to Epstein’s properties, never attended any of the private gatherings, nor accepted any gifts from the former financier.

During the hearing, congressmen described Epstein as a “friend collector,” a man who attracted influential figures simply to project power. Gates’ testimony offered a counterpoint, acknowledging that Epstein attempted to leverage personal information but that Gates ultimately decided the relationship was untenable after 2014.

The committee’s senior Democrat, Robert Garcia, noted that Gates recognized Epstein could be convicted for a criminal act, yet still engaged with him to seek donor support for Gates’ charitable work. Gates clarified that he had no role in any of the fundraiser meets and that he made it clear that Epstein would not receive funds or status within his foundation.

Additional documents released by the Department of Justice referenced Gates in over 2,000 pages and included photographs showing Gates alongside Epstein and his pilot. Gates refuted personal wrongdoing, stating that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal background beyond the public domain.

Gates also acknowledged the organization of a private group of potential donors in 2014 that ultimately proved fruitless; he removed future communication after realizing the group would not deliver on promised benefits.

As the hearing closed, Gates reiterated his hope that survivors of Epstein’s crimes receive justice and reaffirmed that he had no involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s illegal activities.