Bill Gates to testify over Epstein scandal

Billionaire Bill Gates is to testify on June 10 before a congressional committee investigating the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, a source close to the matter told AFP on Tuesday.

The Microsoft co-founder is among the prominent names appearing in documents released by the US Justice Department that revealed close friendships, illicit financial dealings and private photos with Epstein.

The source said Gates would sit for a "transcribed interview," signalling his testimony would take place in the same closed-door setting used for that of former president Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and senator.

Gates has admitted making a "huge mistake" in associating with Epstein, telling staff at his charity foundation that he had affairs with two Russian women but denying any involvement in the disgraced financier's crimes.

In a town hall with staff in February at the Gates Foundation, Gates expressed regret that his relationship with Epstein had affected the work of his philanthropic organisation.