House Democrats release new Epstein photos featuring Sergey Brin, Gates
What's the story
House Democrats have released a new set of photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including some featuring Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Google co-founder Sergey Brin. The move comes just ahead of the Justice Department's deadline to release its own Epstein-related files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The latest release is part of a larger effort by the committee to make public documents obtained from the Epstein estate through a subpoena earlier this year.
High-profile associations
Epstein's connections with powerful individuals
Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking charges, had long been the subject of conspiracy theories. He had a fortune worth over $600 million at the time of his death and was connected to some of the world's most powerful people, including US President Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. The new batch of photos doesn't imply any wrongdoing on part of those featured.
Philanthropic ties
Gates and Epstein's philanthropic connection
The relationship between Gates and Epstein has been known for years. They met several times, with Gates claiming these meetings were about philanthropy. Epstein had even tried to set up a philanthropic fund with Gates at JPMorgan Chase, but the project never materialized. The latest batch of photos also feature Woody Allen (film director), Salar Kamangar (ex-CEO of YouTube), David Brooks (cultural commentator and author), Steve Bannon (political strategist for Trump), and Noam Chomsky (linguist, philosopher, and political activist).
Public acknowledgment
Gates's response to his relationship with Epstein
Gates has previously admitted to "making a mistake in judgment" when asked about his relationship with Epstein. The recent photo release shows him with a woman whose face has been censored for security and legal purposes. This isn't the first time Gates has appeared in the Oversight Committee's Epstein releases. In September, an email was released showing Epstein's 2014 schedule which included a "tentative breakfast party w/Bill Gates."
Business links
Brin's connection with Epstein and JPMorgan Chase
Google co-founder Sergey Brin also appears in several photos from Epstein's estate. Epstein had a close relationship with JPMorgan Chase and referred Brin to the bank as a client in 2004. He later introduced him to bank members who could advise on tax issues. Some of the photos featuring Brin seem to have been taken at events hosted by The Edge, an organization that held idea conferences and was attended by Epstein too.