Bill Gates confirms three affairs, says Epstein ‘contemplated’ blackmailing him
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US congressional panel that late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was aware of several extramarital affairs he had and may have considered using that information against him.
The disclosure came during Gates’ closed-door testimony before the US House Oversight Committee on June 10 as part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network and associations. The testimony transcript was released on Tuesday following renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s connections after the Justice Department made additional documents public.
During the hearing, Gates acknowledged having affairs with three women, including Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina and medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt.
“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said. “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities — in addition to many lies that he layered on top — to pressure me to re-engage with him.”
Gates maintained that he had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities and reiterated that continuing contact with the financier was a mistake.
“I know he was convicted. I knew about that. I was willing to take a chance on meeting with him in a limited role,” Gates said, adding that his interactions with Epstein largely revolved around discussions related to philanthropy.
During questioning by lawmakers, Gates said Epstein appeared interested in exploiting information about his personal life.
According to the testimony, Gates told the committee that Epstein “contemplated blackmailing me” after becoming aware of his affairs, although he stressed that no blackmail attempt was ultimately carried out.
“He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me,” Gates said.
The remarks were linked to a 2013 email draft written by Epstein that referenced allegations involving Gates’ personal life and his former employee Boris Nikolic, a mutual acquaintance of both men.
Gates said the communication appeared to be an effort by Epstein to gain leverage.
“Who knows if he ever sent it to Dr. Nikolic, but it looks like he’s musing on using a mixture of facts and falsities as an effort, almost like a blackmail, to advance some goal,” Gates told the committee.