Bill Gates admits to two affairs; regrets association with Epstein

WASHINGTON: Bill Gates has acknowledged that his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was a “huge mistake,” telling employees at his philanthropic organisation that he regrets the relationship and the impact it had on the foundation’s work.

Referencing a recording of a staff town hall which has also been reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, AFP reported that Gates apologised for maintaining ties with Epstein and for introducing foundation executives to him. He said he took responsibility for the fallout, describing his decision to spend time with Epstein as a serious error.

Gates’s name appears in documents recently made public by the US Department of Justice related to Epstein, which detail associations with high-profile individuals. In a draft email included among the released materials, Epstein made allegations about Gates’s personal life, claiming involvement in extramarital relationships.

Addressing staff, Gates confirmed he had affairs with two Russian women, one a bridge player he met at tournaments and the other a nuclear physicist he encountered through professional engagements. However, he firmly denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal conduct or contact with his victims.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said during the town hall, according to the recording. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking underage girls.

Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Although he was aware that Epstein had faced legal restrictions, Gates acknowledged that he did not fully investigate his background at the time.

He also revealed that his then-wife, Melinda, had voiced concerns about Epstein in 2013. Despite this, Gates maintained contact with the financier for at least another year.

Reflecting on the revelations, Gates told staff that what has since emerged about Epstein’s conduct makes his past association “a hundred times worse,” citing both prior crimes and what he described as continuing misconduct.

In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the discussion took place during its regular twice-yearly town hall meeting, adding that Gates spoke openly, answered questions in detail and accepted responsibility for his actions.