Image credit: Reuters
Bill Gates spoke directly to employees at his charitable foundation this week and addressed questions about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a statement from the foundation, Gates “took responsibility for his actions” during the internal meeting.
The organization described the session as a scheduled town hall, part of Gates’ regular discussions with staff. During the event, he answered questions on several topics, including the recent release of documents related to Epstein.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the foundation said.
Gates Apologizes to Staff
Reports say Gates told employees that spending time with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” He also reportedly apologized to staff, saying: “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”
Gates stated that he did not engage in illegal activity and said: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”
The renewed attention follows the release of additional documents earlier this year by U.S. authorities. Gates, 70, has not faced accusations from any of Epstein’s victims.
Meetings Began in 2011
During the meeting, Gates reportedly said he first met Epstein in 2011. This occurred years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Gates acknowledged that he knew about an “18-month thing” that had limited Epstein’s travel but admitted that he did not thoroughly investigate Epstein’s background at the time.
He continued to meet Epstein until 2014, including meetings outside the United States. Gates reportedly told staff that he “never stayed overnight” at Epstein’s properties and never visited Epstein’s private island.
He also noted that his former wife had doubts about the relationship. “To give her credit, she was always kind of sceptical about the Epstein thing,” he said.
Allegations and Denials
Recent media reports included references to draft emails written by Epstein in 2013. The documents contained claims about Gates’ personal life, including allegations that he contracted a sexually transmitted infection and attempted to hide it.
The U.S. House Oversight Committee released a photo in December from the documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. BBC
A spokesperson for Gates has firmly rejected those claims, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false.”
In another previously reported statement, representatives said: “While Mr Gates acknowledges that meeting with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein and the horrible activities in which Epstein was involved.”
The foundation has also clarified that it never created a fund with Epstein and never paid him. Officials added that Epstein never worked for the organization.
Impact on Personal Life
The renewed focus has also drawn attention to Gates’ divorce from Melinda French Gates in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. In a recent interview, she described the latest developments as bringing back “painful times in my marriage.”
“I am so happy to be away from all the muck,” she said. “Whatever questions remain there of what - I can't even begin to know all of it - those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.”
Gates has previously acknowledged having an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019. He reportedly told staff that two other relationships mentioned in recent reports came through his social and business circles.
Foundation Work Continues
Despite the controversy, foundation officials say the town hall focused on a range of issues, including global health and artificial intelligence. Leaders emphasized that the organization never partnered with Epstein for charitable projects.
Gates recently said he regrets the time he spent with Epstein, stating in a prior interview that he regretted “every minute” of those meetings.
The foundation continues its global work, while Gates faces ongoing public scrutiny over decisions he made more than a decade ago.
