Bill Gates 'deeply sorry' for Epstein ties in testimony to US politicians

Bill Gates is providing testimony to the US House Oversight Committee as it investigates Jeffrey Epstein. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)

Bill Gates says he is "deeply sorry" if his connection to Jeffrey Epstein lent the sex offender any credibility and is denying having "victimised anyone".

The Microsoft co-founder appeared before a closed-door US House Oversight Committee panel that has been investigating the late sex offender's connections with the rich and powerful.

He is the latest high-profile figure to provide testimony to the committee.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has denied having "victimised anyone" as he began closed-door testimony to US politicians over his relationship with notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Gates, one of the world's richest men and a leading philanthropist, appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview about the disgraced financier, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.

"I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct," Mr Gates said in prepared opening remarks released as the interview began.

"I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone."

A picture of Bill Gates with an unknown woman was released by the House Oversight Committee Democrats in December last year. (Supplied: House Oversight Committee Democrats)

The panel asked Mr Gates to appear after documents released by the Justice Department raised new questions about his contacts with Epstein, whose network of wealthy and powerful associates has fuelled years of scrutiny and conspiracy theories.

US President Donald Trump, who had a years-long relationship with Epstein, opposed releasing the files, prompting accusations of a cover-up that dogged his first year back in office.

Mr Gates said he supported their release and hoped survivors of Epstein's crimes would receive justice.

Hillary and Bill Clinton gave testimony to the same committee earlier this year. (GOP Oversight Committee)

He told the panel he was introduced to the business tycoon in 2011 by people he trusted in his professional and philanthropic work, and accepted the introduction because Epstein claimed he could raise billions of dollars for global health projects.

"I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed," Mr Gates said.

"I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have."

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