Bill Gates Denies Personal Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein to US Committee

California. American billionaire businessman Bill Gates has told the US parliamentary committee that he never had a personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates, who voluntarily appeared for a closed-door hearing before the US Parliament's oversight committee on Wednesday, said he ended his relationship with Epstein after Epstein's promise to raise funds for his philanthropic campaign did not materialize. The hearing, held in the US capital Washington, reportedly included Gates providing the committee with the names of some influential people Epstein had contacted for fundraising. During the hearing, he also discussed his extramarital affairs, accusing Epstein of using them to pressure him. According to committee members, Gates' testimony indicates that Epstein was a person who collected influential friends and sought to increase his influence by maintaining relationships with powerful individuals.

In his initial statement, Gates stated that he had not seen or received any indication of Epstein's involvement in any criminal activity. He claimed he never visited his private island, ranch, or Florida home, and that he had not victimized anyone. "He may have sought a personal relationship, but I had no interest in it and never reciprocated," he said. Gates also expressed hope that victims of Epstein's crimes would receive justice.