Regret, denial, and the personal cost behind the headlines: Bill Gates tackles Epstein fallout

Bill Gates has publicly expressed regret over his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling his time with the financier a “serious error in judgment.” The Microsoft co-founder’s comments come after the US Justice Department released a fresh batch of documents detailing Epstein’s extensive network of contacts.

In an interview with 9News Australia, Gates said he regretted “every minute” spent with Epstein and apologised for the association. He strongly denied claims found in Epstein-drafted emails suggesting Gates engaged in extramarital affairs or sought treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, calling the messages “false” and questioning Epstein’s motives.

“Those documents reflect Epstein’s frustration that he never secured a closer relationship with me,” a Gates spokesperson said, describing the emails as attempts to “entrap and defame” him. The billionaire said that he had only attended a few dinners with Epstein and never visited Epstein’s island.

Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, spoke separately about the personal toll the Epstein revelations had on her, describing them as reopening “painful times in my marriage.” In a podcast interview, she said the newly released files left questions that remain for those involved, including her former husband. “Whatever questions remain… they need to be answered by those people, not me,” she said.

The documents, part of a cache totaling millions of pages, include emails drafted by Epstein that allege misconduct by Gates. However, experts caution that Epstein often sent or drafted messages that were misleading or intended to manipulate, and there is no evidence linking Gates to any criminal activity.

While the emails have drawn intense media scrutiny, neither Gates nor any other figures named in the files have been accused by Epstein’s victims. The focus now appears to be on the reputational consequences of being associated with Epstein’s network and the lingering questions that continue to affect those once connected to him.

Gates’ public acknowledgment marks one of the most direct comments he has made regarding Epstein, signaling a rare willingness to confront a controversial chapter of his past while reiterating that he was never involved in Epstein’s criminal activities.

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