Prominent figures testify on Epstein ties as DOJ releases investigation documents
DOJ releases Epstein investigation documents as prominent figures testify to House committee.
Event / Security
Epstein Investigation Disclosure
Ongoing investigation into connections between prominent figures and Jeffrey Epstein, including testimony before House Oversight Committee about meetings and relationships revealed in DOJ documents.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 May, 01:06 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Bill Gates calls relationship with Epstein a 'huge mistake' and 'foolish'
Bill Gates publicly expressed regret over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, calling the relationship a 'huge mistake' and stating he was 'foolish' to have spent time with the convicted sex offender. In a January 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Gates said he thought Epstein could help with global health philanthropy, but that the association 'failed to do that.' Gates stated: 'Yes, I think I was quite stupid. I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy, in fact it failed to do that, and it was just a huge mistake.'
Bill Gates acknowledges meetings with Epstein and apologizes to Gates Foundation staff
In a February 2026 town-hall meeting with Gates Foundation employees, Bill Gates acknowledged meeting with Jeffrey Epstein multiple times between 2011 and 2014, years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates stated he was aware of restrictions on Epstein's travel and that his then-wife Melinda French Gates had raised concerns about the relationship. Gates said he flew on Epstein's private jet and spent time with him in Washington, New York, France, and Germany, but never stayed overnight or visited Epstein's private island. Gates stated that 2014 was the last year he met with Epstein, though he continued to receive emails afterward. He apologized to employees and others affected by his association with Epstein.
Other prominent figures testify to House committee on Epstein connections
Several other high-profile individuals have testified before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Retail billionaire Les Wexner, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi have all participated in interviews with the committee. Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, and Leon Black, co-founder of investment firm Apollo Global Management, were expected to sit for interviews. Rep. Comer stated the committee expects to call former Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz for questioning as well.
Department of Justice releases millions of documents from Jeffrey Epstein investigation
The Department of Justice released millions of investigative documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2026. The documents included numerous mentions of Bill Gates, photographs of him, and records showing meetings between Gates and Epstein on several occasions. The release renewed scrutiny of Gates' past ties to Epstein. The documents also included correspondence between Epstein and some of Gates' former advisers and staff at the Gates Foundation.
Gates Foundation commissions external review of Epstein ties
In March 2026, the Gates Foundation announced it had commissioned an external review to assess past foundation engagement with Jeffrey Epstein and to review current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships. The foundation stated that a small number of foundation employees had interacted with Epstein based on his claims that he could mobilize significant philanthropic resources for global health and development. The foundation confirmed that ultimately no collaboration with Epstein was pursued and no funds were created. The foundation said the review was ongoing and that its board and management would receive an update in summer 2026.
Bill Gates testifies before House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein relationship
Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026 for a closed-door, voluntary interview to answer questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates arrived on Capitol Hill before 9 a.m. and made a brief statement to reporters, saying he was glad to testify voluntarily and hoped his testimony would help the committee's work to find justice for victims. The interview was transcribed and a transcript was expected to be released at a later date.
House Oversight Committee investigates Bill Gates' meetings with Jeffrey Epstein
The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer, initiated an investigation into Bill Gates' relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the Department of Justice's release of millions of investigative documents about Epstein in 2026. The documents showed that Gates and Epstein met multiple times between 2011 and 2014, including dinners and travels to various cities. Gates appeared multiple times across the released documents, and photographs showed him with redacted women. The committee requested Gates' voluntary appearance in March 2026.
Bill Gates denies knowledge of Epstein's crimes and states he witnessed no illegal conduct
Bill Gates has repeatedly denied having any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes against minors. In statements to the House Oversight Committee and media, Gates stated: 'I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.' Gates acknowledged that Epstein discovered his extramarital affairs with two Russian women during his marriage to Melinda French Gates, but stated these affairs did not involve any of Epstein's victims. Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
US federal judge releases handwritten note from Jeffrey Epstein
A US federal judge released a handwritten note on Wednesday that appears to be from Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The note was found after a failed suicide attempt several weeks before Epstein's death in a New York prison. The document had been sealed for several years before being made public at the request of the New York Times. The note contains statements in French, including "They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!!" and "It's a real pleasure to be able to choose the moment when you say goodbye." The authenticity of the note has not been confirmed.
Handwritten note discovered by Epstein cellmate in July 2019
A former cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein discovered the handwritten note in July 2019, hidden between the pages of a comic book. According to the New York Times, the note was found shortly after Epstein was found unconscious. The cellmate, currently incarcerated in California, was interviewed by the New York Times about the discovery.
Jeffrey Epstein dies in prison cell on August 10, 2019
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in his prison cell on August 10, 2019. His death was classified as a suicide. The circumstances surrounding his death have remained controversial, with ongoing conspiracy theories questioning the official determination.
Jeffrey Epstein found unconscious in prison with ligature around neck
Jeffrey Epstein was found unconscious in his prison cell with a garment wrapped around his neck in July 2019. This incident occurred a few weeks before his death on August 10, 2019, which was subsequently classified as a suicide.
Epstein victims and opposition officials criticize selective document release
Victims of Jeffrey Epstein and opposition lawmakers have accused Donald Trump and his Justice Department of not releasing the complete Epstein investigation file. Critics have pointed to the incremental release of documents and the redaction of certain photos and texts as evidence of incomplete disclosure.
Trump administration releases thousands of Epstein investigation documents in December 2025
In December 2025, the Trump administration began releasing thousands of photos, videos, and texts from the extensive Epstein investigation. The administration has been criticized for releasing documents in increments and for redacting photos and texts. The handwritten note was not included in the released materials, according to the New York Times.
Jeffrey Epstein survived initial suicide attempt in July 2019 at Metropolitan Correctional Center
Jeffrey Epstein was found unresponsive with a strip of cloth wrapped around his neck at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Lower Manhattan in July 2019. He survived this initial suicide attempt and was removed from his cell. He was found dead weeks later in his cell on August 10, 2019.
Federal judge unseals alleged suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein
Federal Judge Kenneth M. Karas of the Southern District of New York unsealed an alleged suicide note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein. The note is undated and has not been authenticated by the New York Times. The document was released after The New York Times petitioned the court to unseal it. The note was previously sealed as part of a legal case involving Epstein's cellmate.
Justice Department released millions of pages related to Epstein case
The Justice Department released millions of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The release occurred in the time period before the alleged suicide note was unsealed by the federal judge.
Epstein's cellmate found alleged suicide note in graphic novel
Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein's cellmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, said he found the alleged suicide note between the pages of a graphic novel after Epstein was removed from the cell following the initial suicide attempt. Tartaglione gave the note to his lawyers, and it subsequently became part of his legal case.
Epstein claimed cellmate attacked him, denied suicidal intent
At the time of the initial suicide attempt, Jeffrey Epstein claimed that his cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione had attacked him and denied that he was suicidal. Tartaglione has repeatedly denied this allegation.
Jeffrey Epstein died in custody on August 10, 2019
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. At the time of his death, Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Gates Foundation orders external review following Epstein relationship disclosure
Gates Foundation orders external accountability review after Gates' Epstein relationship testimony.
Bill Gates testifies to House panel about Epstein meetings and relationship
Bill Gates testified he knew nothing of Epstein's crimes and called the relationship a mistake.
Trump administration releases thousands of Epstein investigation documents
Trump administration releases thousands of Epstein documents; critics question selective disclosure.
Judge releases handwritten note from Epstein's final weeks in custody
Federal judge unseals handwritten note from Epstein discovered in July before his August death.
Epstein's July survival attempt preceded August death in custody
Epstein survived a July suicide attempt before dying in custody on August 10, 2019.
Federal judge unseals alleged Epstein suicide note from jail cell
Federal judge unseals alleged Epstein suicide note found by cellmate in jail graphic novel.
DOJ Report Finds Metropolitan Correctional Center Negligent in Epstein Death
DOJ report cites Metropolitan Correctional Center negligence in Epstein's custodial death.
Sealed suicide note from Epstein's cellmate remains under court lock
Sealed suicide note from Epstein's cellmate remains hidden from public view under court order.
Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead in Manhattan Jail Cell
Jeffrey Epstein found dead in Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial.