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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly expressed regret over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, admitting it was a “huge mistake” that impacted his philanthropic work.
During a town hall meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates reflected on his past relationship with Epstein and the controversies that have emerged since.
Gates explained to staff that he continued his relationship with Epstein for several years, despite knowing of the financier’s past criminal conviction.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates admitted, acknowledging that inviting executives from the Gates Foundation to meet Epstein only compounded the issue.
“I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” he added.
This admission comes as documents released by the US Justice Department revealed the deep connections between Epstein and several high-profile individuals, including Gates. Among these documents was a draft email written by Epstein, which alleged that Gates had engaged in illicit activities, including affairs with Russian women and other extramarital relationships.
In the town hall, Gates acknowledged having had two affairs, one with a Russian bridge player and another with a Russian nuclear physicist. However, he firmly denied any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” he said.
Gates also revealed that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates admitted that although he was aware of Epstein’s legal restrictions, he did not investigate Epstein’s background further. He also mentioned that his then-wife, Melinda, had voiced concerns about the relationship as early as 2013, but he continued the association for at least another year.
“Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse,” Gates concluded, acknowledging that his association with Epstein was not only a mistake but was even more troubling in light of Epstein’s ongoing criminal behaviour.
The Gates Foundation released a statement following the town hall, confirming that Gates took full responsibility for his actions, openly addressing staff questions and engaging in a candid conversation about the issue.
