Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is questioned by U.S. lawmakers in a closed-door interview before the House Oversight Committee about his relationship with late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes. Multiple outlets report that the committee seeks answers following the release of Justice Department materials that raised new questions about Gates’s contacts with Epstein. Gates is described as appearing for several hours of questioning, with reporters noting that the session includes a review of his past associations and interactions.

In statements and reporting ahead of or during the questioning, Gates says he made a serious mistake in meeting Epstein and describes the relationship as inappropriate in retrospect. NBC News reports that Gates tells lawmakers Epstein was blackmailing him over Gates’s infidelities. Other accounts say Gates denies any wrongdoing and says he did not witness or have indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.

While outlets differ in emphasis—some focusing on the committee process and Justice Department document release, others on Gates’s explanations—sources agree that Gates is appearing before Congress to address Epstein-related issues, and that transcripts are expected to be released later.