Bill Gates Admits ‘Huge Mistake’ in Associating with Epstein

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – Bill Gates has admitted that associating with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was a “huge mistake,” while denying any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities, according to reports.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein negatively affected the reputation and work of his philanthropic organization. A recording of the meeting was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and to also bring foundation executives into meetings with him,” Gates told staff. “I apologise to other people who were drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”

Gates is among several high-profile figures named in documents recently released by the United States Department of Justice, which detail Epstein’s associations, financial dealings, and private correspondence.

In a draft email included in the documents, Epstein alleged that Gates engaged in extramarital affairs and claimed to have facilitated meetings and activities involving women. Addressing the claims, Gates admitted to having affairs with two Russian women but firmly denied any criminal wrongdoing.

“I did have affairs — one with a Russian bridge player I met at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist I met through business activities,” Gates said. “But I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”

Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking of underage girls.

New Revelations Emerge About Death of Jeffrey Epstein

Gates told staff that his interactions with Epstein began in 2011, several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor. He said he was aware of restrictions placed on Epstein’s travel but did not conduct sufficient background checks at the time.

He also revealed that his then-wife, Melinda, had raised concerns about Epstein as early as 2013, though he continued to maintain contact for at least another year.

“Knowing what I know now makes it a hundred times worse,” Gates said. “Not only because of his past crimes, but because it’s now clear there was ongoing bad behavior.”

In a statement, the Gates Foundation confirmed that Gates addressed the Epstein issue during its regularly scheduled biannual town hall, adding that he spoke candidly and took responsibility for his actions.