Washington DC, June 10 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday told the House Oversight Committee that his association with Jeffrey Epstein was a "grave error in judgment", expressing regret for the relationship while insisting he never witnessed criminal conduct and had no knowledge of the full extent of Epstein's crimes at the time.

In his remarks before the committee in Washington, Gates said he supported transparency regarding the Epstein case and backed the release of all related files.

"I support the release of all the Epstein files and sincerely hope that, through your efforts and those of others advocating on their behalf, the survivors of Epstein's crimes can get the justice that they deserve," Gates said.

Addressing h...