Bill Gates Issues Public Apology for Epstein Association in Foundation Meeting
American technology entrepreneur and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has formally apologized to staff members at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation regarding his past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a recent town hall meeting, Gates described his association with Epstein as a "huge mistake" that has negatively impacted the philanthropic organization's reputation.
"I Did Nothing Illicit": Gates Defends His Actions
According to exclusive reporting from The Wall Street Journal, Gates told foundation employees during the meeting: "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit." He further clarified that he never spent time with Epstein's victims or the women associated with him. Gates explained that photographs recently released in the "Epstein files" showing him with women whose faces were redacted were pictures Epstein had requested him to take with his assistants following business meetings.
"I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made," Gates stated during the town hall, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation confirmed to Reuters that Gates spoke candidly during the meeting, addressing multiple questions in detail and taking responsibility for his actions.
Continued Meetings Despite Epstein's Criminal Record
The Wall Street Journal report reveals that Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Their meetings continued through 2014, with Gates acknowledging that he did not properly investigate Epstein's background despite being aware of travel restrictions Epstein faced due to his criminal conviction.
Gates admitted that he continued meeting with Epstein even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed concerns about the association in 2013. "To give her credit, she was always kind of sceptical about the Epstein thing," Gates told foundation staff.
According to the Journal's reporting, Gates traveled with Epstein on private jets and spent time with him in various locations including Germany, France, New York, and Washington, though Gates emphasized he never stayed overnight with Epstein or visited his private island.
Admission of Affairs with Russian Women
During the same town hall meeting, Gates made additional personal revelations, admitting to having two affairs with Russian women during his marriage. "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," Gates stated.
He clarified that these affairs were unrelated to Epstein's victims or activities. The New York Post had previously reported that Epstein referenced Gates' alleged relationships in emails, including one sent in July 2013 to Boris Nikolic, Gates' former science and technology adviser. Nikolic has denied authoring or requesting certain emails attributed to him.
Foundation Reputation and DOJ Document Release
The controversy surrounding Gates' association with Epstein resurfaced last month when the U.S. Department of Justice released tens of thousands of documents collectively referred to as the "Epstein files." These documents include emails, interview transcripts, photographs, and call logs showing connections between Epstein and various public figures.
Reuters reported that Department of Justice documents indicate Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding Gates' philanthropic efforts. The Gates Foundation stated earlier this month that it never made financial payments to Epstein nor employed him at any time.
Gates acknowledged that his ties with Epstein and the newly disclosed emails have negatively impacted the foundation's work. "It definitely is 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."
While reiterating that he did not participate in any criminal activities, Gates admitted that his association with Epstein had helped the financier "burnish his reputation."
About the Gates Foundation
Founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda French Gates, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has grown to become one of the world's largest funders of global health initiatives. The foundation focuses on addressing critical issues including poverty, healthcare, and education worldwide through substantial philanthropic investments and partnerships.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019, approximately one month after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges, according to U.S. media reports.
