Bill Gates has admitted making a “huge mistake” in his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at the Gates Foundation that while he had affairs with two Russian women, he was not involved in Epstein’s crimes
The Microsoft co-founder appears among prominent figures named in documents released by the US Justice Department, which detail Epstein’s close friendships, financial dealings, and private photographs.
During a town hall with foundation staff on Tuesday, a recording of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Gates expressed regret that his connection with Epstein had affected his philanthropic work.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein, and to also bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with him,” Gates said. “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”
Documents released by the Justice Department include a draft email from Epstein alleging Gates had extramarital affairs, claiming their relationship involved “helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts with married women.”
Gates, 70, confirmed two affairs during the town hall. “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist whom I met through business activities,” he said. He denied any involvement with Epstein’s victims, adding, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”
Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged knowing of restrictions on Epstein’s travel but admitted he did not fully investigate his background.
He also revealed that his then-wife, Melinda, raised concerns about Epstein in 2013, yet he continued the relationship for at least another year. “Knowing what I know now makes it… a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now it’s clear there was ongoing bad behaviour,” Gates told staff.
The Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Gates’s remarks.
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