Bill Gates has acknowledged making what he described as a “huge mistake” in his association with Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at his philanthropic organisation that he regretted the relationship and admitting to past extramarital affairs, while denying any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The Microsoft co-founder is among high-profile figures named in documents released by the US Justice Department, which detail Epstein’s connections with prominent individuals, as well as alleged financial dealings and personal interactions.
During a town hall meeting on Tuesday with employees of the Gates Foundation, a recording of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Gates said his association with Epstein had negatively impacted the foundation’s work.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates said, adding that he also erred in introducing foundation executives to the disgraced financier.
“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” he told staff.
Among the Justice Department documents was a draft email in which Epstein alleged that his relationship with Gates involved facilitating extramarital encounters and other personal matters. In the message, Epstein claimed his association with Gates ranged from “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, addressed aspects of those allegations during the town hall, acknowledging two affairs.
“I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities,” he said.
However, he firmly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein’s criminal conduct.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates told staff.
Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.
Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged being aware that Epstein had faced travel restrictions but said he did not investigate further.
According to Gates, his then-wife, Melinda, raised concerns about Epstein as early as 2013. Despite this, he maintained contact with Epstein for at least another year.
“Knowing what I know now makes it a hundred times worse, not only because of his past crimes, but because it’s clear there was ongoing bad behaviour,” Gates said.
The Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his remarks.
AFP
