Affairs admitted. Epstein ties regretted. But Gates insists: “I did nothing illicit.”
Bill Gates has acknowledged that his association with Jeffrey Epstein was a “huge mistake,” admitting to extramarital affairs but denying any involvement in the convicted financier’s criminal conduct.
Speaking during a town hall with staff at the Gates Foundation, a recording of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, the Microsoft co-founder apologized for meeting Epstein and for introducing foundation executives to him.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates said, adding that he regretted drawing others into what he described as a poor personal decision.
Gates confirmed having had two affairs — one with a Russian bridge player and another with a Russian nuclear physicist he met through business activities. However, he firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing related to Epstein’s sex trafficking case.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates told staff.
The comments follow the release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department detailing Epstein’s connections with prominent figures. In one draft email cited in the documents, Epstein alleged Gates engaged in extramarital relationships and claimed to have assisted him in personal matters. Gates’ remarks at the town hall appear to directly address those claims.
Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates said his interactions with Epstein began in 2011 and continued for at least a year after concerns were raised by his then-wife, Melinda.
“Knowing what I know now makes it a hundred times worse,” Gates said, acknowledging that his continued contact with Epstein after initial warnings was a serious error in judgment.
The Gates Foundation said in a statement that the discussion took place during its regular twice-yearly town hall and that Gates “spoke candidly” and took responsibility for his actions.
While the episode adds renewed scrutiny to Gates’ past associations, he maintains that his conduct did not involve or enable Epstein’s crimes.
