Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates disclosed details about several past extramarital relationships during a recent closed-door interview with lawmakers, according to a newly released transcript from a congressional investigation examining his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The interview, conducted by the House Oversight Committee on June 10, centered largely on Gates’ relationship with Epstein and the extent of their interactions over the years.
However, the questioning also delved into Gates’ personal life, including affairs that occurred during his marriage to Melinda French Gates.
Gates Identifies Women Linked to Past Relationships
During the testimony, Gates acknowledged having relationships with medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt and Russian scientist Karima Nigmatulina. Their names were publicly connected to Gates’ testimony for the first time.
According to the transcript, Gates said his relationship with Jacobs began before 2010. He also confirmed a separate relationship with Nigmatulina, whom he met through scientific and public health work connected to energy and disease-modeling projects.
The interview additionally revisited Gates’ previously reported relationship with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova.
Marriage Survived Earlier Revelations
Gates told investigators that he informed Melinda about some of the affairs years before their marriage ended. He recalled discussing his relationship with Jacobs before later conversations concerning Nigmatulina and Antonova.
According to his testimony, those disclosures were deeply upsetting for Melinda, but the couple did not immediately consider divorce. The pair remained married for years afterward before announcing the end of their 27-year marriage in 2021.
The divorce has often been linked to growing concerns over Gates’ association with Epstein, although both parties have publicly discussed multiple factors contributing to the split.
Focus Returns to Gates’ Relationship With Epstein
Much of the committee’s questioning concentrated on Gates’ long-discussed friendship with Epstein. Lawmakers sought clarification on meetings, communications, and references contained in documents and emails released as part of broader investigations into Epstein’s network.
Gates reiterated that maintaining a relationship with Epstein was a mistake and told investigators he regretted ever becoming involved with him. He said he wishes the two had never met.
The billionaire has previously apologized publicly for spending time with Epstein after the financier had already been convicted and registered as a sex offender.
Emails Raise Questions About Connections
Committee investigators examined a number of emails and communications tied to Epstein and individuals in Gates’ professional circle.
One exchange referenced Jacobs and appeared to suggest that information involving her should remain confidential between Epstein and investor Boris Nikolic.
When asked about the communication, Gates said he could not determine what Epstein meant and noted that Nikolic may have been aware of his relationship with Jacobs because of professional ties between them.
Gates denied having discussions about Epstein with any of the women involved in the affairs.
Blackmail Allegations Addressed During Testimony
The committee also explored whether Epstein may have attempted to use knowledge of Gates’ personal relationships as leverage.
Investigators referred to reports suggesting Epstein sought repayment for expenses connected to Antonova and implied he could reveal details about the relationship.
Gates testified that he never paid Epstein and did not believe he was ultimately blackmailed. However, he acknowledged that some of Epstein’s communications appeared to indicate he may have been considering that possibility.
“I was not blackmailed,” Gates told investigators, while adding that certain emails suggested Epstein’s thinking may have been moving in that direction.
Gates Rejects Claims Related to Health Allegations
Among the most unusual portions of the interview were questions concerning allegations contained in an email attributed to Epstein.
The document included claims about sexually transmitted diseases and other highly personal matters. Gates firmly rejected those assertions, telling lawmakers he had never been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease and had never secretly provided medication to anyone.
He also denied claims that he had shared intimate descriptions about himself with associates mentioned in the investigation.
Transcript Adds New Details to Long-Running Scrutiny
The release of the transcript provides one of the most detailed public accounts yet of Gates’ testimony regarding both his personal relationships and his connection to Epstein.
While the hearing primarily focused on understanding the nature of Gates’ interactions with Epstein, it also revealed new information about events that unfolded during his marriage and the personal disclosures that preceded his eventual divorce.
The House Oversight Committee continues its broader review of records and communications connected to the Epstein case and the government‘s handling of related investigations.
