Bill Gates Addresses Past Ties with Jeffrey Epstein and Personal Affairs

In a recent town hall meeting, Bill Gates expressed regret over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, labeling it a significant mistake. He emphasized that he engaged in no illicit activities and apologized for the impact on the Gates Foundation's reputation. Gates also acknowledged having two affairs with Russian women during his marriage, clarifying that these relationships did not involve Epstein's victims. The discussion comes in light of newly released documents detailing Epstein's connections with various public figures, reigniting scrutiny over Gates' past decisions. The Gates Foundation maintains that it has never financially engaged with Epstein, reaffirming its commitment to its values.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 18:51 IST

Gates' Apology for Epstein Connection

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has expressed regret to his colleagues at the Gates Foundation regarding his previous relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a recent town hall meeting, Gates emphasized that he engaged in no illegal activities, labeling his association with Epstein as a significant error that has negatively impacted the foundation's image. According to reports, Gates stated, "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," and clarified that he never interacted with any of Epstein's victims. He explained that the photographs released in the so-called 'Epstein files' were taken at Epstein's request, following meetings with his assistants.

Gates extended his apologies to those affected by his past decisions, acknowledging the mistake he made. A representative from the Gates Foundation confirmed that Gates was open during the meeting, addressing numerous inquiries and accepting responsibility for his past actions. Gates first encountered Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein's guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution, and maintained contact until 2014. He admitted to not thoroughly vetting Epstein's background, despite being aware of restrictions on Epstein's travel.

Furthermore, Gates revealed that he continued to meet Epstein even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed concerns about their association in 2013. Gates noted, "To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing." Reports indicate that Gates traveled on Epstein's private jet and met him in various locations, including Germany and New York, but he insisted he never stayed overnight or visited Epstein's private island. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019, shortly after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

Gates' Acknowledgment of Personal Affairs

Bill Gates Affair With Russian Women

During the same town hall, Gates also admitted to having two affairs with Russian women while married. He mentioned one affair with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events and another with a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business. Gates clarified that these relationships did not involve any of Epstein's victims.

Previously, Epstein had referenced Gates' alleged affairs in emails, including a message from July 2013 to Boris Nikolic, Gates' former science and technology adviser. Nikolic has since denied writing or requesting the emails attributed to him. The controversy surrounding Gates resurfaced last month when the US Department of Justice released a substantial number of documents known as the 'Epstein files,' which include emails, transcripts, photographs, and call logs detailing Epstein's connections with various public figures.

Documents from the Justice Department revealed that Gates and Epstein met several times after Epstein's prison sentence to discuss the expansion of Gates' philanthropic efforts. The Gates Foundation reiterated that it has never made any financial transactions with Epstein or employed him in any capacity, stating that such actions contradict the foundation's values and objectives.