PublishedJun 9, 15:24Last updatedJun 13, 05:06

Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates Speak on Epstein Ties Amid Congressional Probe

The New York Times
Jun. 9, 2026 15:24
Bill Gates has reportedly hired a former oversight chief to assist him in preparing for private testimony related to the House Oversight Committee’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The testimony is part of an ongoing inquiry into Epstein’s activities and connections. Gates’ decision to seek advice indicates the seriousness of the investigation and his involvement. The testimony is expected to take place soon, though no specific date has been provided. This development highlights the continued scrutiny of high-profile figures linked to Epstein.
Summarized
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The Guardian
Jun. 13, 2026 05:00
Melinda French Gates discusses her life post-divorce from Bill Gates, focusing on her philanthropic work with Pivotal to promote women's empowerment. She shares her daily routines in Seattle, enjoying nature and local bookshops. Gates reflects on her past encounters with Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing her awareness of his true nature despite his association with her ex-husband.
The Independent
Jun. 13, 2026 05:06
Melinda French Gates stated in a June 13, 2026, interview that Jeffrey Epstein 'could have been stopped' if the U.S. justice system had acted effectively. Her comments followed testimony by her ex-husband, Bill Gates, about his ties to Epstein. French Gates criticized the system for failing to prevent Epstein's crimes, which involved the exploitation of underage girls. The interview with The Guardian emphasized the need for societal reckoning and justice reform.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee on June 10-11, 2026, acknowledging his association with Jeffrey Epstein as a "grave error in judgment," while his ex-wife Melinda French Gates separately addressed the Epstein connection in media interviews. The closed-door deposition revealed Gates' regret over meeting the convicted sex offender, disclosing Epstein had blackmailed him over extramarital affairs, though he maintained no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Meanwhile, French Gates criticized systemic failures that allowed Epstein's crimes and confirmed their divorce was partly influenced by the association. The testimonies form part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein's network.

🔍 Key Revelations

Gates admitted cutting ties with Epstein after the financier failed to deliver promised charity funding, but Epstein later used personal information about Gates' affairs for coercion attempts. Epstein's former assistant Lesley Groff testified simultaneously, describing Epstein as a "master manipulator." Calendar entries and communications from 2011-2013 were examined, showing Gates met Epstein for philanthropic introductions. French Gates stated Epstein "could have been stopped" with proper justice system intervention. Huanqiu+2

⚖️ Legal Context

The deposition occurred amid growing scrutiny of high-profile Epstein connections, with Gates appearing voluntarily alongside Groff's testimony. Gates' legal team included a former House Oversight Committee counsel. The audio-recorded session's transcript will be publicly released, potentially setting procedures for future testimonies from Epstein-linked figures. Investigators are examining whether Epstein's network enabled his crimes post-2008 conviction. Tagesschau.de+2

👥 Personal Fallout

Melinda French Gates revealed in interviews that Epstein's association with Bill contributed to their divorce. Now focused on women's empowerment through Pivotal, she reflected on recognizing Epstein's true nature early. Her June 13 comments emphasized societal reckoning needs, while Bill's testimony detailed personal consequences of the Epstein ties. The Guardian+2

🌐 Societal Impact

The hearings mark a pivotal accountability moment for Epstein's victims, with Gates expressing hope his testimony would aid justice. French Gates' advocacy highlights systemic reform needs, while congressional investigators anticipate further subpoenas. The case underscores challenges in addressing power dynamics between elites and criminals exploiting such connections. BBC News+2

Bill GatesJeffrey EpsteinEpstein investigationCongressional testimonyHouse Oversight Committee

topic.regionalNarratives

China
China
Coverage emphasizes Gates' congressional testimony expressing regret for his association with Epstein and admitting to blackmail over an affair.
Germany
Germany
Reporting centers on Gates' testimony about Epstein's blackmail attempts regarding personal affairs and his admission of poor judgment.
Russia
Russia
Coverage highlights Gates' testimony describing his association with Epstein as a 'grave error in judgment' and the broader probe into Epstein's network.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Reporting focuses on Melinda French Gates' reflections on Epstein's crimes and her critique of systemic failures to stop him.
Canada
Canada
Coverage highlights Gates' admission of poor judgment in Epstein meetings during congressional testimony.
South Korea
South Korea
Reporting focuses on Gates' repeated characterization of Epstein association as grave error during testimony.
France
France
Reporting focuses on Gates' admission of poor judgment in associating with Epstein.
Australia
Australia
Coverage centers on Gates' claims of Epstein using personal affairs as leverage.
Japan
Japan
Reporting discusses Gates' congressional admission of his Epstein association being a 'grave error.'
United States
United States
Reporting focuses on Gates' revelations about Epstein's leverage attempts regarding affairs.
United States
United States
Coverage focuses on legal preparation and procedural aspects of congressional testimony.
Canada
Canada
Reporting emphasizes scheduled testimonies and institutional inquiries into Epstein connections.
Japan
Japan
Discussion centers on direct congressional interrogation regarding personal associations.
Australia
Australia
Outlets frame the event around specialized legal preparation for high-stakes testimony.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Coverage focuses on historical association timelines and formal record reviews.
South Korea
South Korea
Reporting emphasizes evidentiary linkages within investigative document troves.

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Japan2
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The Japan Times2

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Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates Speak on Epstein Ties Amid Congressional Probe | KoalaNews