Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 [1], and said that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him.

The testimony brings new details to the public record regarding the nature of the relationship between the tech billionaire and the convicted sex offender. It highlights the methods Epstein allegedly used to target high-profile individuals for leverage.

During the hearing in Washington, D.C., Gates said that Epstein tried to blackmail him over past extramarital affairs [2]. According to the testimony, Epstein sought to use the knowledge of these affairs to obtain favors or influence [3].

Gates said the situation was an attempt by Epstein to leverage private infidelity for personal or professional gain [4]. The House Oversight Committee is reviewing these interactions as part of a broader inquiry into the networks and influence of Epstein.

While the specific number of affairs was not detailed in the testimony, the core of the allegation centers on the threat of exposure [5]. Gates provided this account under oath to clarify the circumstances surrounding his past contact with Epstein.

The committee's investigation continues to examine how Epstein cultivated relationships with global leaders, and wealthy figures, to insulate himself from legal scrutiny [6].

“Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him.”

This testimony suggests a pattern of predatory behavior by Jeffrey Epstein, where personal secrets were weaponized to create dependencies among the global elite. By detailing a blackmail attempt, Gates provides a rare glimpse into the coercive tactics used by Epstein to maintain access to power and wealth, potentially offering the House Oversight Committee a roadmap for identifying other targets of similar manipulation.