GATES DENIES EPSTEIN PRESSURE CLAIMS Bill Gates told Congress that Jeffrey Epstein tried to use knowledge of his past affairs to pressure him, but said the allegations were unrelated to their interactions. Gates called meeting Epstein a “grave error in judgment,” saying he regretted lending him credibility. He denied witnessing any criminal conduct and said Epstein’s claims involved manipulation and falsehoods. The testimony is part of a broader congressional probe into Epstein’s network.(*Walter Bloomberg)