Bill Gates denied any wrongdoing during a closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday regarding his past meetings with Jeffrey Epstein [1, 2].

The testimony is part of a broader investigation by lawmakers into the Jeffrey Epstein files. The committee is examining the nature of Gates' interactions with the financier to determine if any illegal activity occurred [2, 4].

During the hearing in Washington, D.C., Gates expressed regret over his association with the convicted sex offender. "I should have never met with Jeffrey Epstein," Gates said [1].

Gates further distanced himself from any criminal conduct associated with the financier's network. "I never victimized anyone," Gates said [3].

Some lawmakers suggested that the billionaire may have been manipulated by the financier. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), a member of the Oversight Committee, characterized the relationship as deceptive. "Epstein played him," Lynch said [3].

The investigation remains focused on the extent of the financier's reach into high-profile circles, and whether those connections facilitated the abuse of others [2, 4]. Gates has previously faced scrutiny regarding these meetings, but this testimony marks a formal interaction with the House Oversight Committee on the matter [1, 2].

“"I should have never met with Jeffrey Epstein."”

This testimony represents a formal attempt by U.S. lawmakers to establish a timeline and purpose for the interactions between global power brokers and Jeffrey Epstein. While Gates denies personal wrongdoing, the committee's focus on how Epstein 'played' influential figures suggests an investigation into the social engineering used by the financier to gain legitimacy and access.