Gates admits Epstein mistake, denies wrongdoing before Congress

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has defended his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, admitting it was a serious misjudgment while firmly denying any involvement in criminal conduct.
Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday as lawmakers intensified efforts to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s network and relationships with influential figures in politics, business and philanthropy.
In prepared testimony submitted to the committee, Gates stated that he never witnessed any criminal behaviour by Epstein and had no knowledge of his alleged sex-trafficking activities.
“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in...