Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates informed a House Oversight Committee that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to leverage information about Gates' extramarital affairs in an effort to re-establish contact after their relationship had ended. The assertion was made during a closed-door interview on June 10, according to a transcript of the session released Tuesday.

Gates testified as part of the committee's ongoing investigation into the government's handling of Epstein's case. The testimony provides a rare glimpse into how Epstein allegedly sought to manipulate influential figures using compromising information.

According to the transcript, Gates stated that Epstein used an adviser to convey veiled threats and appeared to guide that adviser on how to potentially blackmail Gates. Gates noted that Epstein mixed factual information with fiction in these communications, which were primarily internal communications or communications with an intermediary rather than direct threats to Gates himself.

"I was not blackmailed, but, you know, as you look at these emails, you know, it looks like Mr. Epstein's brainstorming was going in that direction," Gates told the panel, referring to materials from the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice. "It appears that in many cases he, at least in emails to himself, was sort of rehearsing how either he or he coaching someone else might choose to blackmail me, but none of those messages were ever sent to me."

During his testimony, Gates acknowledged having at least three extramarital affairs. He emphasized that Epstein was not involved with any of the women and only learned about the affairs after Gates had severed ties with him. Gates stated his interactions with Epstein were strictly business-related, and he never witnessed Epstein commit any crimes or suspected any women traveling with Epstein were victims of sex trafficking.

Gates explained that he initially met with Epstein in 2011, believing the financier's connections within wealthy circles could benefit the Gates Foundation's global health initiatives. Despite being aware of Epstein's criminal conviction and poor reputation at the time, Gates continued to meet with him.

When questioned about photographs showing him with some of Epstein's alleged victims, Gates said Epstein occasionally requested to take pictures of Gates with women he believed were Epstein's assistants. Gates maintained he never victimized anyone and was never interested in a personal relationship with Epstein, despite Epstein's apparent attempts to foster one.

While the Department of Justice indicated last year that it found no credible evidence of Epstein blackmailing prominent individuals, Gates' testimony suggests Epstein explored such avenues, at least internally. The revelation adds another layer to the complex relationship between Epstein and powerful figures, highlighting the alleged methods Epstein employed to maintain influence.