Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates disclosed that he had affairs with three women before financier Jeffrey Epstein became aware of the relationships and allegedly considered using them for blackmail.
The disclosure emerged from testimony released on Tuesday by a US congressional committee. The material forms part of a broader investigation into potential abuse of power and sexual misconduct involving influential individuals. The committee made the testimony public as part of its ongoing probe.
According to the released documents, Gates said the relationships occurred before he met Epstein in 2011. He identified one woman as Mila Antonova, whom he met at bridge events around 2009 and 2010. Gates also acknowledged a relationship with Karima Nigmatulina, a nuclear physicist and professional associate. He further disclosed an affair with medical entrepreneur Dr Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt.
Gates referred to an email dated July 18, 2013, which appears in publicly available records of the US Department of Justice. He said several remarks in the email reflected Epstein’s thinking. These included comments about financial pressure and references to former partners. Gates described the language as part of a “brainstorming” process linked to potential blackmail and an exit strategy involving his former science adviser.
Additional emails cited in the testimony mention possible “consequences” related to sexual relationships and extramarital affairs. One email reportedly came from Boris Nikolic, a former adviser to Gates. In that message, Nikolic discussed efforts to improve his exit arrangement.
The committee continues to examine the documents as part of its wider inquiry. Investigators are assessing whether powerful individuals misused influence or engaged in coercive behavior.
