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House Oversight Committee Calls Bill Gates To Testify On Epstein Association

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is slated to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee this Wednesday to address questions regarding his contentious association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview marks one of the most high-profile examinations of Epstein’s network and its far-reaching connections within elite circles.

Committee Inquiries and Preparations

The House committee, which has been vigorously probing Epstein’s connections to influential figures, is leaving no stone unturned. Following the questioning of Epstein’s former long-time executive assistant, Lesley Groff, the panel chair, Rep. James Comer, asserted that Gates is prepared to answer any query thrown his way. “Anything’s on the table,” Comer said, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the network.

Context Of Gates’ Association With Epstein

Reports indicate that Gates’ relationship with Epstein began in 2011, as noted by The Wall Street Journal. This association drew renewed attention following the release of additional documents by the Department of Justice and Congress in late 2025. Although Gates has not been implicated in any illegal activities connected to Epstein, he has acknowledged that the association was a significant misstep. At a Gates Foundation town hall in February, he publicly apologized for engaging with Epstein and for exposing foundation executives to meetings with him.

Apology And Ongoing Review

During that session, Gates remarked, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” while also emphasizing his regret over the decision to meet Epstein. The Gates Foundation has since commissioned an external review of its historical ties to Epstein, with an expected update to the board and management this summer.

Perspectives From Industry Leaders

In an interesting aside, longtime friend Warren Buffett, also Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, disclosed during an interview with Becky Quick that he had refrained from contacting Gates after the unveiling of documents related to Epstein. Buffett was unequivocal in his criticism of Epstein, describing him as a con artist who exploited human weaknesses for personal gain.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on accountability and transparency among the world’s wealthiest individuals. As the House committee prepares for further testimony, the scrutiny of influential networks continues to intensify.


Clive Owen Films Scorpion In Cyprus In One Of The Island’s Biggest Productions

Cyprus Secures Another High-Profile Production

Oscar-nominated British actor Clive Owen is filming Scorpion in Cyprus, a new action thriller from Copper Island that is understood to have one of the highest daily production budgets ever recorded for a film shoot on the island.

Filming began in Cyprus on July 6 and is scheduled to conclude later this month in Bulgaria. The production marks another high-profile international project to choose Cyprus as a filming location.

A Cast Built For International Sales

Alongside Owen, the film stars Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, The Butler, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) and Reda Elazouar (Sex Education, The Family Plan). The cast also includes Ronan Summers, Jake Ryan, Mark Rhino Smith, Joey Ansah, Alex Cooke and Luke Bouchier.

The screenplay is by Richard Hughes and Bennett Fisher. Copper Island’s Matt Murphy, David Mansfield and Luke Bouchier are producing, while WestEnd Films is handling international sales. The company is expected to present the first footage at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

A Survival Thriller

Scorpion follows Jason, a rookie police officer assigned to an elite special operations unit made up of Afghanistan war veterans. After arriving at an isolated farmhouse, the team is cut off from the outside world and given an ultimatum: every 30 minutes one member will die unless someone reveals the truth about a covert military operation carried out years earlier.

Cyprus’ Role In The Production

The production credited the Cyprus Film Commission for its support, with Copper Island founder Matt Murphy thanking both the commission and the local crew.

Owen also praised the experience of filming in Cyprus, describing the local crew as highly professional and highlighting the island’s diverse filming locations.

Copper Island Expands Its International Portfolio

Limassol-based Copper Island has worked on several international productions, including The Leader, which premiered at Tribeca, as well as Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire and Ron Howard’s Eden.

The company is also supporting Cypriot productions, including Apart by Stelana Kliridou and The Well by Marios Piperides, which is completing post-production in Limassol.

Matt Murphy is also serving as executive producer of the upcoming Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie.

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