Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has revealed new details about his personal life during testimony connected to ongoing investigations into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to transcripts released by congressional investigators, Gates acknowledged several extramarital affairs and stated that Epstein was aware of those relationships.
The testimony was given behind closed doors to the U.S. House Oversight Committee as lawmakers continued examining Epstein’s network of contacts and influence. Gates cooperated with investigators and answered questions about his interactions with Epstein between 2011 and 2014.
The Women Named in the Testimony
During questioning, Gates identified three women with whom he had affairs while he was married to Melinda French Gates. Reports identified them as Mila Antonova, a bridge player; Karima Nigmatulina, a Russian nuclear scientist; and Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt, a medical entrepreneur. Gates reportedly emphasized that these relationships were unrelated to Epstein and that he did not meet the women through the financier. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Epstein became aware of the affairs and later referenced them during communications with Gates. The disclosures have generated significant media attention because they provide one of the most detailed public accounts yet of the personal matters that Epstein allegedly attempted to use as leverage.
Claims of Potential Blackmail
One of the most notable aspects of the testimony involved Gates’ belief that Epstein may have considered blackmailing him. Gates told investigators that he was never actually blackmailed, but said emails and communications suggested Epstein may have been exploring that possibility. According to the released transcripts, Gates described Epstein’s behavior as appearing to move in the direction of using sensitive personal information to maintain influence over him. Gates said he confronted the issue directly and made it clear that any attempt to pressure him would fail. Investigators also examined communications in which Epstein referenced Gates’ private life. Gates stated that although the situation was uncomfortable, he never provided money or favors because of those disclosures and never considered himself a victim of successful extortion.
Gates Again Expresses Regret
Throughout the testimony, Gates reiterated that spending time with Epstein was a serious mistake. He said he initially believed Epstein could help connect him with wealthy donors who might support global health and philanthropic projects through the Gates Foundation. Those efforts ultimately produced no meaningful results. Gates also maintained that he was unaware of the full extent of Epstein’s criminal activities during the period in which they met. He told lawmakers he never witnessed illegal conduct and denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Over the years, Gates has repeatedly described his association with Epstein as one of the biggest mistakes of his professional life, arguing that the relationship damaged both his reputation and the reputation of the charitable work he was attempting to advance.
Continuing Interest in the Epstein Investigation
The newly released testimony is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to understand how Epstein cultivated relationships with influential figures across politics, business, and philanthropy. Congressional investigators have spent months reviewing documents, emails, photographs, and witness testimony connected to Epstein’s activities. While Gates has not been accused of participating in Epstein’s criminal conduct, the testimony offers new insight into how Epstein allegedly sought to maintain connections with powerful individuals. For many observers, the revelations highlight the complex web of relationships Epstein built before his death in 2019. As additional records continue to emerge, the testimony is expected to remain a major focus of public discussion, particularly because it combines questions about personal conduct, influence, and the methods Epstein allegedly used to gain access to some of the world’s most prominent figures.
