Bill Gates informed a House Oversight Committee panel that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had explored plotting to blackmail him over extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of a closed-door session released Tuesday. Gates testified that Epstein used an adviser to send veiled threats and appeared to coach that adviser on how to potentially leverage compromising information.

The testimony, given on June 10, is part of the committee's ongoing investigation into the government's handling of Epstein's investigations. Gates stated that while Epstein mixed fact and fiction to try and gain leverage, he never explicitly threatened Gates directly, nor were any such messages ever sent to him.

According to the transcript, Gates acknowledged having at least three extramarital affairs. He clarified that Epstein was not involved with any of these women and only learned about the affairs after Gates had ended their association. Gates described Epstein's actions as "brainstorming" in the direction of blackmail, based on materials released earlier by the Department of Justice.

This testimony offers a rare insight into how Epstein allegedly attempted to manipulate powerful figures using sensitive personal information. While the Department of Justice stated last year that it found no credible evidence of Epstein blackmailing prominent individuals, Gates' account details a specific instance of attempted coercion.

Gates told lawmakers that his interactions with Epstein were solely business-related and that he never witnessed Epstein commit any crimes. He also stated he did not suspect that women traveling with Epstein were victims of sex trafficking. When questioned about photos with some of Epstein's alleged victims, Gates explained that Epstein would sometimes ask to take pictures of Gates with women he believed were Epstein's assistants.

Gates admitted to initially meeting with Epstein in 2011, believing the financier's connections could benefit the Gates Foundation's global health initiatives. He was aware of Epstein's prior criminal conviction but proceeded with meetings. Gates emphasized that he never sought a personal relationship with Epstein and never reciprocated any such advances.

The transcript reveals Gates' perspective on his interactions with Epstein, highlighting his efforts to distance himself from the convicted sex offender. Gates described his dealings as limited and transactional, and he maintained that he never victimized anyone.

The released testimony underscores the complex nature of Epstein's relationships with prominent individuals and the alleged methods he employed to maintain influence. The investigation continues to examine the full scope of Epstein's network and the government's response to his activities.