Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him using knowledge of his extramarital affairs, while denying any complicity in Epstein's actions. Gates appeared before a bipartisan committee probing the Epstein network, alongside other high-profile figures. The testimony comes as newly released U.S. department of Justice documents show Gates in email exchanges and photographs with Epstein at various events, according to the source.

The blackmail claim: Gates says Epstein targeted his marital infidelities

In his prepared remarks, Gates claimed that Epstein tried to leverage information about his multiple marriage infidelities to blackmail him, the source reports. He refuted any and all accusations that he was complicit in the late paedophile's actions. Gates also stated he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes, despite public reports of Epstein's behavior dating back years. The testimony was given under oath before a bipartisan committee that has been investigating the Epstein network since 2023.

DOJ evidence: photos and email exchanges that contradict Gates's account

The Department of Justice has released documents from the Epstein files that include direct email exchanges between Epstein and Gates, along with photographs of the smiling billionaire willingly attending events hosted by the financier, according to the source. These records directly challenge Gates's claim of ignorance, showing him in social settings with Epstein. Lawmakers questioned how Gates, described as a titan of the information sphere, could have remained largely uninformed about Epstein's background, including facts already in the public domain.

Committee roster: Clinton, Maxwell, and the parade of powerful witnesses

Gates joins a long list of powerful figures who have appeared before the same committee, including former President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,and U.S.. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison term for her role in Epstein's trafficking operation, appeared virtually in February but invoked her right to refuse to answer questions. the bipartisan committee continues to probe the extent of Epstein's influence network and whether any enablers remain in positions of power.

What Gates's emails reveal — and what they don't

The released emails show correspondence between Epstein and Gates, but the source does not detail the content of those messages. It remains unclear how often they communicated and what subjects were discussed beyond the alleged blackmail. A key open question is whether Gates ever asked Epstein to facilitate introductions to other wealthy individuals or research entities. Additionally, the timeline of their relationship remains murky: Gates joined Epstein at events, but the dates and frequency are not fully documented in the DOJ release.

Gates's testimony: a tense exit through reporters and protesters

After hours of testimony, the 70-year-old billionaire left the hearing and pushed his way through a throng of reporters and protesters, ignoring shouted questions from the media, the source reported. His demeanor contrasted with his prepared remarks, which were read and ignored queries outside the script. The scene underscores the high public interest and ongoing scrutiny of anyone associated with Epstein, even years after his death.