SEATTLE, United States — Bill Gates has apologised to staff at his charitable organisation over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing it as a “huge mistake” while denying any illicit conduct.
In a scheduled town hall meeting with employees of the Gates Foundation, Gates addressed questions surrounding his relationship with Epstein and the recent release of documents by the US Department of Justice in January.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions,” a foundation spokesperson said in a statement.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which said it reviewed a recording of the meeting, Gates told staff: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” He reportedly added that it was a “huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and apologised to those drawn into the controversy.
“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates is quoted as saying.
The Microsoft co-founder, 70, has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims. However, scrutiny of his past interactions with the financier has intensified following the release of so-called “Epstein files” earlier this year.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates reportedly told staff he first met Epstein in 2011, years after the conviction. He acknowledged being aware of an “18-month thing” that had limited Epstein’s travel but admitted he did not properly investigate his background. He continued meeting Epstein through 2014 and spent time with him abroad, though he insisted he “never stayed overnight” and never visited Epstein’s private island.
The Journal also reported that Gates addressed allegations contained in draft emails written by Epstein in 2013, which claimed Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection and attempted to conceal it. A spokesperson for Gates previously dismissed the claims as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”
In his remarks, Gates reportedly said he had two affairs with Russian women whom he met through his social and business networks. He denied any link between those relationships and Epstein, stating the women were not connected to the financier.
Gates founded the philanthropic organisation alongside his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. In a recent interview with NPR, Melinda described the renewed attention as dredging up “painful times in my marriage.”
“I am so happy to be away from all the muck,” she said, adding that unanswered questions surrounding Epstein were for “those people and for even my ex-husband” to address.
US media previously reported that Melinda had expressed concerns about her husband’s association with Epstein before their separation. After the divorce announcement, Gates acknowledged having had an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019.
In a separate interview with Australian broadcaster 9News in February, Gates said his interactions with Epstein were limited to dinners and that he regretted “every minute” spent with him.
The Gates Foundation reiterated that it never collaborated with Epstein or created any joint philanthropic vehicle. “At no time were financial payments made by the foundation to Epstein, nor was he employed by the foundation at any time,” the organisation said.
While Gates insists he engaged with Epstein solely over potential fundraising discussions, the renewed disclosures have revived debate over judgment, accountability, and the reputational risks faced by high-profile philanthropic institutions.
