Bill Gates has claimed Jeffrey Epstein tried to use the fact he'd been unfaithful in his marriage as leverage to pressure him to re-engage with him.

"Billionaire Gates told members of the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday that he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and that Epstein attempted to use information about his personal life, including that he had been unfaithful in his marriage, to pressure Gates", US broadcaster CNN reported after obtaining a copy of his opening remarks.

Quoted by the CNN, Gates said: “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 have never victimized anyone.

"While he may have sought to foster a personal relationship, I was never interested in that and never reciprocated.

“I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family.”

Gates, who characterised his interactions with Epstein as "limited," said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 and that the late convicted sex offender promised he could raise billions of dollars for global health.

“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” he told lawmakers, according to the CNN.

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