Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, testifies in a recently released congressional transcript that he had extramarital affairs with three women while he was associated with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to the accounts reported by multiple outlets, Gates says he met Epstein between 2011 and 2014 and that their discussions focused mainly on philanthropy. Gates acknowledges that his relationship with Epstein was a mistake. He also states that Epstein appeared to have awareness of his unfaithfulness, specifically describing the women involved as Russian. In the testimony, Gates says he believes Epstein contemplated blackmailing him after learning about the affairs, a point reflected across the reports. Gates does not present himself as having been coerced, but he says his concern was that Epstein might attempt to extort him. He denies wrongdoing beyond the affairs and denies knowledge of any abuse connected to Epstein. The transcript materials are described as newly released, following closed-door testimony to the U.S. House Oversight Committee.