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Bill Gates told Congress he suspected Jeffrey Epstein ‘contemplated blackmailing' him over affairs
By Raquel Coronell Uribe and Kyle Stewart | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 2 min read
Billionaire Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee this month that he believed Jeffrey Epstein “contemplated blackmailing” him over extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of the Microsoft co-founder’s interview released Tuesday.
“He never blackmailed me, but looking at these em...
Key takeaway “He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me,” Gates told lawmakers on June 10 as part of the committee’s probe into the late convicted sex offender.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The revelation that Bill Gates suspected Jeffrey Epstein of contemplating blackmail over his extramarital affairs raises questions about the judgment of local leaders and their associations. As a prominent figure with ties to the Los Angeles community, Gates' connection to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, is a concern for residents who expect their leaders to demonstrate sound decision-making. The fact that Gates met Epstein in 2011, despite being aware of his criminal conviction, is particularly troubling. This incident serves as a reminder that the actions of influential individuals can have far-reaching consequences, and it is crucial for community leaders to prioritize transparency and accountability. As the House Oversight Committee continues its probe, Los Angeles residents will be watching to see how this situation unfolds and what measures will be taken to ensure that those in positions of power are held to the highest standards of integrity.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Billionaire Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee this month that he believed Jeffrey Epstein “contemplated blackmailing” him over extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of the Microsoft co-founder’s interview released Tuesday.
“He never blackmailed me, but looking at these em...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Raquel Coronell Uribe and Kyle Stewart | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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