Bill Gates testified before a Congressional committee investigating the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, revealing Epstein attempted to blackmail him. Gates acknowledged meeting with Epstein several times in 2008 and admitted a prior relationship with two women outside of his marriage, stating he had “suffered the consequences” of his infidelity. He claims Epstein used knowledge of these affairs to manipulate him into working with him. Gates maintained he was unaware of the extent of Epstein’s crimes when they first met and denied witnessing any criminal behavior. Documents released earlier this year included a photo of Gates with a woman whose face was obscured. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution and died by suicide in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges involving minors; the investigation continues to uncover connections to numerous prominent figures.