Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has characterized his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as an "error in judgment" during recent communications with members of Congress, according to a House Oversight Democrat.
The acknowledgment marks one of the clearest statements from Gates on the subject since his association with Epstein became public. Gates had maintained a years-long connection with Epstein, including meetings and travel, before distancing himself from the financier as legal troubles mounted.
Gates' description of the relationship signals an attempt to move past the controversy that shadowed his reputation and philanthropic work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The tech mogul had previously issued limited public statements about his ties to Epstein, with spokespersons offering sparse explanations of the interactions between the two men.
The congressman who disclosed Gates' characterization did not specify the timing or format of the conversation with the Microsoft co-founder, but the exchange indicates Gates has been responsive to congressional interest in the matter. House Oversight Committee members have been examining relationships between prominent figures and Epstein as part of broader scrutiny into the financier's criminal network.
Gates ended his association with Epstein around 2013, years before federal authorities arrested Epstein in 2019 on sex trafficking charges. The billionaire faced renewed questions about the relationship as court documents related to Epstein's case were unsealed, prompting fresh scrutiny from lawmakers and the public.
The foundation has operated independently of Gates' personal decisions in recent years. Gates stepped back from day-to-day operations at the organization bearing his and Melinda French Gates' names following their 2021 divorce, continuing to serve as a trustee while reducing his involvement in management.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on the federal charges. His death, ruled a suicide by New York City authorities, sparked various conspiracy theories and ongoing public interest in his associates and criminal activities.
The congressional interest in Gates' relationship with Epstein reflects broader legislative efforts to examine how wealthy and connected individuals maintained ties with Epstein despite emerging concerns about his conduct. Multiple high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, have faced questions about their interactions with the financier.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Gates calling it an error shows he's finally facing the music, but one sentence to Congress hardly resolves years of unexplained meetings and silence."
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