Bill Gates tells Oversight panel that meeting with Epstein was a 'grave error in judgment'

Bill Gates is facing some tough questions from a House panel over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The two men were associated for years. Gates has said that he regrets every minute that he spent with the late sex offender. ABC's Rena Roy has the latest. Bill Gates in the hot seat on Capitol Hill today. Facing questions from lawmakers about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and speaking on his way into the closed door meeting. I hope my testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims. The Microsoft co-founder has faced scrutiny over his association with Epstein, especially earlier this year when the Department of Justice released millions of Epstein files, including correspondence between the two men. In a prepared opening statement, Gates telling the committee, I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch or his Florida home. I've never victimized anyone. Cryptic notes drafted by Epstein hinted at Gates's extramarital affairs. Gates earlier this year acknowledged two affairs in his opening statement. Gates saying these affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, adding Epstein used the affairs against him to, quote, pressure me to reengage with him. He was unsuccessful in this effort. He insists his relationship with Epstein was focused on raising money for global health, a partnership that ultimately did not come to fruition. And while he was aware of Epstein's previous legal issues, he did not fully understand the extent of his crimes. No one's accusing Bill Gates of any wrongdoing. And I certainly appreciate him coming in voluntarily. Earlier this year, Gates said he regrets every minute they spent together in an interview with 9 News Australia. Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that. And this is just the latest interview conducted by this committee. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and former associates of Epstein's have all faced questioning too. In New York, Rita Roy for Channel 6 Action News.