Bill Gates has apologised to staff at his foundation for his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing meetings with him as a “huge mistake” that had drawn others into the controversy. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Microsoft co-founder spoke at a town hall on Tuesday, acknowledging that bringing foundation executives to meetings with Epstein was wrong.
“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by the Journal. He admitted to two affairs – with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist – but denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes, stating he never spent time with Epstein’s victims. Gates also rejected an allegation that he had contracted a sexually transmitted infection and sought antibiotics for his then-wife, Melinda, as claimed in Epstein’s own notes.
The philanthropist admitted he had been aware of Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor but had not properly checked his background before starting meetings in 2011. He described the relationship as “the opposite of the values of the Foundation” and stressed that the organisation’s reputation is highly sensitive. A foundation spokesperson told the Journal that Gates “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions”.
Gates also revealed that Epstein had tried to extort him over the affair with the bridge player, Mila Antonova, after failing to persuade Gates to join a charity fund. The Journal reported in 2023 that Epstein’s message had hinted he could expose the relationship. Gates noted that the presence of other prominent figures at meetings made the situation feel “normalised”.
