Bill Gates on Epstein: 'Looking at the messages, it is clear he was planning blackmail'

Details of the testimony given by Microsoft founder Bill Gates to the US House Oversight Committee as part of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have been made public. In his closed-door statement, Gates said that Epstein had considered using certain information regarding his private life as a means of pressure against him.

Gates, who testified to the committee on June 10, stated that he was aware of Epstein's extramarital affairs with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova and nuclear scientist Karima Nigmatulina. According to Gates, Epstein planned to use this information to re-establish contact with him or to exert pressure on him.

In his testimony, Gates emphasized that Epstein did not actually blackmail him, but argued that the correspondence that emerged showed his intent: "He never blackmailed me, but looking at the messages, it is clear that he was planning to."

2013 EMAIL DRAFT COMES TO LIGHT

An email draft, stated to have been prepared by Epstein on July 18, 2013, was also examined as part of the investigation. It was reported that the draft contained statements regarding Gates' private life and certain allegations.

It was noted that the email in question may have been prepared on behalf of Boris Nikolic, a close colleague and science advisor to Gates who was preparing to leave his post at the time. The draft reportedly contained allegations of extramarital affairs and inappropriate behavior directed at Gates.

Gates said he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Stating that he had contact with Epstein between 2011 and 2014 to support philanthropic projects, Gates later described this relationship as a "huge error in judgment."

Stating in his testimony that he did not witness any illegal activity and was not involved in Epstein's crimes, Gates noted in a written statement after the meeting that he valued the opportunity to speak with the committee and answer their questions.

Gates also stated that he supports the release of the Epstein files to the public, expressing his hope that the process will contribute to achieving justice for the victims. The relationships Epstein established with numerous figures from political, business, and academic circles continue to be a subject of debate in the US.