Bill Gates to testify before Congress over Jeffrey Epstein ties

Bill Gates is set to testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday as lawmakers investigate his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The appearance follows the release of Justice Department files earlier this year that included references to meetings and communications between Gates and Epstein.

According to CNN, congressional investigators want to question the Microsoft co-founder about the extent of his ties to Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction on prostitution-related charges.

Among the documents released were draft emails allegedly written by Epstein in 2013 that included graphic and unverified claims about Gates.

There is no evidence the emails were ever sent, and the allegations remain uncorroborated.

Gates has strongly denied the claims as a representative previously told CNN: “These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false.”

“While Mr. Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the horrible activities in which Epstein was involved”, the statement added.

Speaking earlier this year to CNN affiliate Nine News in Australia, Gates said: “every minute I spent with him I regret.”

House Oversight Chair James Comer said lawmakers are seeking information rather than accusing Gates of wrongdoing.

“We just have questions. I’m not accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing,” Comer told CNN.

Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia also described Gates’ continued association with Epstein after his conviction as “very concerning.”