Lead
Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, appeared before a congressional committee to testify about his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door hearing, part of a probe into the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case, saw Gates express hope that his testimony would support efforts to secure justice for victims.
According to multiple accounts, Gates told the committee that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. He also acknowledged that Epstein attempted to use information about his personal life to pressure him.
Coverage comparison
The deposition produced a set of details that were reported across the outlets that covered it. All three reports — from Al Jazeera, the BBC's World service, and The Guardian — focused on the core testimony: Gates' appearance, his claim of ignorance regarding Epstein's criminal behavior, and Epstein's attempts to pressure him.
Al Jazeera framed the hearing neutrally, emphasizing that Gates testified voluntarily in the probe and that he hoped his testimony would support justice for victims. The BBC's coverage centered on Gates' relationship with Epstein, noting that Gates had said he exercised poor judgment in meeting him. The Guardian's report took a more investigative tone, drawing attention to the revelation that Epstein had sought to blackmail Gates over his extramarital affairs.
These sources presented Gates' account without casting doubt on it, but the specific assertions varied in their level of detail and emphasis.
Key claims
Gates testified before a congressional committee on June 10, 2026, in connection with an investigation into the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case. Al Jazeera reported that Gates said he hoped his testimony would aid efforts to secure justice for victims.
Gates told the committee he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes, a claim that was repeated in the BBC's reporting.
Gates also acknowledged poor judgment in meeting Epstein, saying he was "one of many people who regret ever knowing him," as reported by the BBC.
A more detailed account from The Guardian described Gates's testimony regarding blackmail attempts. According to the transcript released by the committee, Gates said Epstein had sought to "blackmail" him over his extramarital affairs. Gates acknowledged that while he was not blackmailed, he believed that based on the emails, Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction. Gates added that Epstein never sent him anything he would call blackmail, but that draft emails suggested Epstein was rehearsing how he, or someone he coached, might blackmail him.
The Guardian also reported that Gates had previously admitted to having extramarital affairs with two Russian women and that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving minors. Gates acknowledged knowing of Epstein's legal troubles but also had been told that Epstein could raise billions for global health.
A claim carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified is that Gates' relationship with Epstein began in 2011, as reported by The Guardian.
Perspectives
Gates' testimony: Gates said he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes and expressed regret for having met him, acknowledging poor judgment. He maintained that any blackmail attempts were not carried out, and he saw them only in Epstein's drafts.