Microsoft founder Bill Gates testified before the U.S. Congress that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein tried to blackmail him using his relationship with two Russian women.
In his speech before the committee, Gates confirmed that he had relationships with bridge player Mila Antonova and nuclear physics expert Karima Nigmatulina. He stated that Epstein tried to pressure him after learning about these relationships.
Draft Letter and Blackmail Allegation
At the center of the incident is a 2013 draft letter written by Epstein in the name of Gates' science advisor Boris Nikolic. The letter contained serious allegations that Gates had sex with Russian girls and that drugs were procured. Gates described the letter as a blackmail attempt but said Epstein did not directly blackmail him, only considered it.
Gates also stated that Epstein later tried to get money from him to cover expenses related to Antonova, which could have been an attempt to pressure or establish contact.
Melinda Gates' Reaction and Divorce Process
After Gates' then-wife Melinda French Gates learned of the events, tension arose between the couple. Later, during the divorce process, Gates was accused of more than 20 extramarital affairs.
Testimony of Epstein's Assistant
The committee also released the testimony of Epstein's longtime assistant Lesley Groff. Groff claimed that she arranged massage appointments for Epstein almost every day but did not know the masseuses were minors. Comparing Epstein to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Groff said her boss led a lawful life on the outside but was an abuser in his secret world.
Groff also stated that Epstein occasionally had phone conversations with Donald Trump, but these calls eventually stopped.
Gates' testimony and the documents that emerged provided new details about the network of relationships Epstein established with wealthy and powerful figures.
