Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, has described his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “serious error in judgment” and acknowledged having extramarital relationships during his marriage, according to multiple media reports. Gates made the remarks while addressing employees of the Gates Foundation after renewed scrutiny following the release of additional documents related to Epstein.
According to reports, Gates apologised to foundation staff during a town hall meeting for his interactions with Epstein, stating that his decision to meet with him reflected poor judgment. He reportedly told employees that he takes responsibility for those meetings and acknowledged that the association has caused reputational harm to the foundation. However, Gates maintained that he did not engage in any illegal conduct during his interactions with Epstein.
He is said to have expressed regret for ever meeting Epstein and apologised to individuals who were drawn into the controversy as a result of his actions. A foundation spokesperson was quoted in reports as saying that Gates emphasised Epstein had no formal role in his company or foundation and was not involved in any decision-making processes.
In the same context, Gates acknowledged having had affairs with two Russian women during his marriage. According to media accounts, he described those relationships as inappropriate but clarified that the women were not connected to Epstein’s crimes. Gates reportedly stated that the relationships were unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities and reiterated that he had engaged in “nothing illicit.”
“ 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 clarified
In internal communications referenced by media outlets, Gates was quoted as saying that he did not have any sexual relationships with Epstein’s victims and never spent time with the women associated with him. He also reportedly said he “deeply regrets” the personal decisions that contributed to the controversy.
‘I did not have any sexual relationships with Epstein’s victims.’ Gates was quoted as saying in internal communications referenced by media outlets . He also stated that he ‘ deeply regrets’ the personal decisions that contributed to the controversy .
He added, ‘To be clear , I never spent any time with victims, the women around him.’
The renewed attention comes after the release of documents connected to Epstein’s network, prompting fresh examination of several high-profile individuals who had contact with the disgraced financier. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution and died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Reports also indicate that Gates continued meeting Epstein even after concerns were raised in 2013 by his then wife, Melinda French Gates, who was said to have been sceptical about the association. Gates had previously maintained that his meetings with Epstein were focused on discussions related to philanthropy. He has now publicly acknowledged that those interactions represented a significant lapse in judgment.
The Gates Foundation has reiterated that Epstein had no formal or informal association with the organisation and that Gates’ personal interactions did not influence its operations or decision-making. Gates reportedly told staff that the controversy runs counter to the foundation’s values and emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust, noting that the institution’s work is highly sensitive to reputational concerns. “It is definitely the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation .” he said “ and our work is very reputational sensitive. I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us.”
