The congressional inquest into Jeffrey Epstein’s network of influential associates has heard testimony from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Epstein’s longtime executive assistant, Lesley Groff, as House investigators examine how the convicted sex offender maintained ties to prominent figures after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
In his closed-door testimony on Wednesday, Gates told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee he had not understood the full extent of Epstein’s crimes. He said he had agreed to meet him in 2011 because he believed the financier could help connect him with wealthy donors and advance his philanthropic initiatives. Those fundraising opportunities never materialized, he said, describing his association with Epstein as a “grave error in judgment.” He claimed after he ended contact in 2014, Epstein tried to use knowledge of his extramarital affairs to pressure him to re-engage.
While no public evidence has linked Gates to Epstein’s criminal conduct or placed him on the latter’s private island, critics have questioned his decision to associate with the convicted sex offender. Released correspondence suggests the two men met repeatedly over several years, while Gates’ ex-wife Melinda reportedly viewed Epstein as a serious concern and cited her former husband’s dealings with the financier among the factors behind their 2021 divorce.
A day earlier, investigators heard from Groff, who worked as Epstein’s executive assistant from 2001 until his death in jail in 2019. She told House investigators on Tuesday that Epstein was a “master manipulator” who kept different parts of his life compartmentalized.
Groff said she had considered resigning after Epstein’s 2008 conviction but decided to stay after he convinced her that he had been falsely accused and manipulated her sense of loyalty.
Her account was met with skepticism. During her testimony, lawmakers questioned whether a senior aide who managed Epstein’s schedule, travel, and daily affairs for nearly two decades could plausibly have been unaware of the misconduct. Groff acknowledged arranging massages for Epstein as part of her duties but said she had never met the women involved and was unaware that some were minors. Prosecutors believe that the massages served as a mechanism for recruiting and exploiting young women.
The House inquiry has so far included testimony from other high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.