Bill Gates Issues Apology Over Epstein Association and Confesses Affairs
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has delivered a public apology to employees at his charitable foundation regarding his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a recent Gates Foundation townhall meeting, Gates also admitted to engaging in two extramarital affairs, according to a detailed report from The Wall Street Journal.
Candid Confession at Foundation Gathering
The billionaire philanthropist spoke frankly at the biannual staff assembly, addressing the release of Department of Justice files pertaining to Epstein. "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," Gates told his employees, while acknowledging his regret over the association. He specifically apologised for introducing foundation executives to Epstein, stating, "It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein. I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made."
Gates explained that he first encountered Epstein in 2011, three years after the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida. He admitted to not thoroughly investigating Epstein's background and being only vaguely aware of legal restrictions that limited his travel.
Relationship Timeline and Melinda Gates' Concerns
The tech entrepreneur detailed his interactions with Epstein, which included:
- Meeting Epstein in 2014
- Travelling on his private jet
- Spending time with him in Germany, France, New York, and Washington
However, Gates emphasised that he never stayed overnight at Epstein's properties or visited his notorious Caribbean island, Little St James. He acknowledged that his then-wife, Melinda Gates, expressed concerns about Epstein in 2013, but he initially disregarded her warnings. "To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing," Gates conceded.
Admission of Extramarital Affairs
During the same townhall, Gates confessed to two affairs:
- One with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events
- One with a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business activities
This revelation comes as Melinda Gates recently discussed the Epstein scandal on NPR's Wild Card podcast, describing how it "brings back memories of some very, very painful times" in their marriage. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years together.
Gates' Reflection and Foundation Response
Gates reflected on why he initially engaged with Epstein, noting that the financier "talked about the kind of intimate relationship he had with a lot of billionaires" and suggested these connections could assist with fundraising goals. He admitted this association contradicted foundation values, stating, "It definitely is the opposite of the values of the foundation and the goals of the foundation."
A Gates Foundation spokesperson confirmed that their founder "spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Bill Gates has denied allegations in released documents suggesting inappropriate medical conduct, calling them "absolutely absurd and completely false."
Unlike other prominent figures linked to Epstein, Gates has demonstrated willingness to address his past mistakes openly. He recently told Australian media, "Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise that I did that," adding that he was "foolish to spend time with him" and counts himself among many who regret knowing Epstein.
