Bill Gates testifies he should never have met Epstein

Bill Gates testified in a closed-door hearing at Capitol Hill that he should never have met Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier and convicted sex offender.

"I should never have met him," Gates said in his opening statement, according to text released by CNN. He characterized the meeting as "a serious error in judgment."

Gates stated he was introduced to Epstein in 2011. The financier had promised to provide donors to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates said. "In light of what I know today, I understand that even if he had procured the promised donors to the Gates Foundation, this would not have justified being associated with him," Gates added.

During the testimony, Gates denied witnessing or having knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. "I have never witnessed nor have I ever had any indication that Epstein was involved in criminal activity," Gates said. He emphasized that he never visited Epstein's island, ranch, or villa in Florida.

Gates also addressed allegations regarding his personal conduct. "I have never harassed any girl," he stated. He said that while Epstein may have attempted to establish a personal relationship with him, Gates was never interested and never reciprocated such advances.

Gates further stated that Epstein attempted to exploit his marital infidelity to establish a closer relationship, according to the sources.

The Microsoft founder arrived at Capitol Hill around 8:45 a.m., accompanied by police officers, security personnel, and attorneys. Upon entering the hearing room, Gates expressed his willingness to participate. "I am pleased to be here voluntarily to testify and contribute to the work of the commission," he said to journalists.

Gates reiterated that he had no involvement in any wrongdoing. "I have never done harm to anyone," he stated during the closed-door proceeding, which was not open to the press.