Congressional Testimony on the Relationship Between Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein
關於比爾蓋茲與傑佛瑞艾普斯坦關係的國會證詞
Introduction
Bill Gates gave testimony to the House Oversight Committee regarding his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's attempts to use personal information to influence him.
比爾蓋茲向眾議院監督委員會就其過去與傑佛瑞艾普斯坦的關係，以及艾普斯坦企圖利用個人資訊對其施加影響之相關事項發表證詞。
Main Body
The relationship began in 2011 through Boris Nikolic, a former adviser to the Gates Foundation. Mr. Gates explained that the main goal of these interactions—which included about 12 to 14 meetings and several video calls between 2011 and 2014—was to find philanthropic funding for global health projects. He admitted that although he knew about Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex offenses, he believed Epstein's connections to wealthy individuals could help raise money. However, these discussions, including a plan for a fund at JPMorgan Chase, did not produce any results.
這段關係始於2011年，是由蓋茲基金會前顧問Boris Nikolic牽線。蓋茲先生解釋，在2011年至2014年之間，雙方約進行了12到14次會面以及數次視訊通話，主要目標是為全球健康計畫尋求慈善資金。他承認儘管知道艾普斯坦在2008年因性犯罪被定罪，但他認為艾普斯坦與富豪的關係有助於籌款。然而，包括在摩根大通計劃成立基金在內的討論，最終均未取得成果。
During this period, Mr. Gates revealed that he had three extramarital affairs with Mila Antonova, Karima Nigmatulina, and Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. Testimony shows that Epstein learned about these affairs and made indirect references to them. Mr. Gates asserted that while no formal blackmail took place, internal documents suggest Epstein was practicing how to use this sensitive information to stay close to Gates after Gates tried to end the relationship in 2014. Furthermore, Gates denied claims that he had a sexually transmitted infection or was given secret medication, calling these allegations completely false.
在此期間，蓋茲先生透露他曾與Mila Antonova、Karima Nigmatulina以及Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt醫生有三段婚外情。證詞顯示，艾普斯坦得知了這些情事並在言談中間接提及。蓋茲先生主張雖然沒有發生正式的勒索，但內部文件顯示，在蓋茲於2014年試圖結束關係後，艾普斯坦在練習如何利用這些敏感資訊以維持與蓋茲的親近。此外，蓋茲否認患有性傳染病或被秘密給藥的指控，稱這些指控完全不實。
Regarding the institutional side, Boris Nikolic acted as the link between the two men and helped negotiate the end of their relationship. Mr. Gates described his decision to associate with Epstein as a 'serious error in judgment' and expressed regret for giving the financier any perceived legitimacy. He consistently denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein's crimes, stating that he never visited Epstein's private island or ranch.
在機構方面，Boris Nikolic充當了兩人之間的聯繫人，並協助協調結束其關係。蓋茲先生將決定與艾普斯坦往來描述為「嚴重的判斷錯誤」，並對賦予這位金融家任何形式的正當性表示後悔。他一貫否認參與或知曉艾普斯坦的罪行，並聲明自己從未造訪艾普斯坦的私人島嶼或牧場。
Conclusion
Mr. Gates has officially distanced himself from Epstein, describing the relationship as a failure in judgment and denying any criminal involvement.
蓋茲先生已正式與艾普斯坦劃清界限，將這段關係描述為判斷失誤，並否認任何刑事參與。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Power Shift': From Simple Descriptions to Complex Nuance
As an A2 student, you usually say: "He made a mistake." To reach B2, you need to describe how and why that mistake happened using more sophisticated phrasing.
💡 The Gold Mine: "Error in Judgment"
In the text, Bill Gates doesn't just say "I was wrong." He calls it a "serious error in judgment."
Why this is a B2 move:
- A2 Level: "It was a mistake." (Basic/General)
- B2 Level: "It was an error in judgment." (Precise/Formal)
When you use the word judgment, you aren't just talking about a mistake; you are talking about the process of thinking before making a decision. This is exactly how B2 speakers express responsibility and professionalism.
🛠️ Upgrading Your 'Connection' Verbs
Look at how the text describes people interacting. Instead of saying "they talked" or "they were friends," the text uses:
- "Associate with" Instead of "hang out with" or "know." Example: "I don't want to associate with people who lie."
- "Distance himself from" Instead of "stop talking to." Example: "After the argument, she distanced herself from the group."
- "Acted as the link" Instead of "he helped them meet." Example: "My cousin acted as the link between me and the manager."
🎯 Quick Logic Tip: "Although" vs "But"
Notice this sentence: "He admitted that although he knew... he believed..."
Stop starting every contrast sentence with "But." To bridge the gap to B2, use Although to create a complex sentence. It shows you can handle two opposing ideas at once without stopping the flow of the sentence.
Try this mental switch:
- ❌ He knew it was bad, but he did it. (A2)
- ✅ Although he knew it was bad, he did it. (B2)