Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a mob of reporters he is “glad to be here voluntarily,” ahead of a private, transcribed interview with lawmakers about his yearslong relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The billionaire philanthropist arrived Wednesday on Capitol Hill and reported to a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee room, where lawmakers were eager to ask him about Epstein and the young women the late financier procured for himself and allegedly his wealthy and powerful friends.
Mr. Gates, who traveled with Epstein aboard Epstein’s private jet and through his staff was in contact with him through 2019, smiled at reporters and gave a brief statement. He did not answer questions.
“I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify to help with the committee’s work. I’ll start with an opening statement in the hearing room. I hope my testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims. Thank you,” he said.
Mr. Gates is among a string of high-profile witnesses summoned to the panel either voluntarily or under subpoena to discuss Epstein.
Some, like Mr. Gates, palled around with the convicted sex offender. Other witnesses include former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who led the Justice Department’s protracted release of millions of files related to the federal government’s investigation and prosecution of Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mr. Gates appears with unidentified women in several photos released in the Epstein files.
The tech titan has retained the counsel of Jake Greenberg, a former top aide to Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Kentucky Republican. Mr. Greenberg’s role was first reported by The New York Times.
