Bill Gates Says Epstein May Have Sought Leverage Through Personal Information

Bill Gates told US lawmakers that he believed Jeffrey Epstein may have been considering blackmailing him, according to transcripts released by the House Oversight Committee, Jimmy Jenkins reported for Bloomberg News.

Bill Gates testified before lawmakers that he believed Jeffrey Epstein may have sought leverage through information about his personal relationships. (Photo: Bill Gates Facebook)

During closed-door testimony on June 10, Gates disputed details contained in emails Epstein reportedly wrote to himself concerning the Microsoft co-founder’s extramarital affairs.

Gates said he believed Epstein may have intended to use that information as leverage.

"I was not blackmailed," Gates told the committee, "but as you look at these emails, it looks like Mr. Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction."

Gates said he addressed the issue directly with Epstein as he sought to end communication with the disgraced financier.

While acknowledging the affairs, Gates maintained that he was not connected to the women through Epstein and reiterated that he had no direct knowledge of Epstein's crimes involving underage victims.

"There was the veiled type of language, 'Hey, we should all want to be friends,'" Gates said.

"I took that on very explicitly and said, 'Look, if you think you're going to get more money out of this, it's not going to happen.'"

According to Gates, Epstein had sought philanthropic donations in his name, requests that Gates said he repeatedly declined.