Bill Gates Addresses Controversial Ties to Jeffrey Epstein: Acknowledges Past Mistakes
Bill Gates' Apology and Admission of Past Mistakes
New York: Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has expressed regret to his colleagues at the Gates Foundation regarding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, he insists that he engaged in no illegal activities, as reported by a media outlet.
During a recent town hall meeting, Gates acknowledged having had two relationships with Russian women, admitting that these actions have overshadowed the philanthropic efforts of the foundation. He emphasized that he was not involved in any of Epstein's criminal activities.
Gates was among numerous high-profile individuals linked to Epstein, as revealed by a substantial release of documents by the US Justice Department last month, which included emails, transcripts, and other records.
In the town hall, Gates confirmed that Epstein had discovered his affairs but clarified that they did not involve any of Epstein's victims. He stated, "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," according to a recording reviewed by the media.
He explained that the images from the Epstein files, which show him with women whose identities are obscured, were taken at Epstein's request after meetings. Gates reiterated, "I never spent any time with victims, the women around him."
Reflecting on his past decisions, Gates admitted, "It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein" and to involve Gates Foundation executives in discussions with him. He apologized to those affected by his misjudgment.
Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein's guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged failing to adequately investigate Epstein's background, despite being aware of restrictions on Epstein's travel.
He noted that he continued to meet with Epstein even after his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, raised concerns in 2013. Gates credited her for being skeptical about Epstein from the start.
The media reported that Gates continued his association with Epstein until 2014, including traveling on Epstein's private jet and spending time with him in various locations, although he clarified he never stayed overnight or visited Epstein's private island.
Gates recognized that his connection to Epstein and the newly released emails have negatively impacted the reputation of the Gates Foundation, stating, "It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation."
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation mentioned that Gates holds town halls biannually, where he openly addresses questions and takes responsibility for his actions.
Gates revealed that Epstein often spoke about his relationships with wealthy individuals, particularly in Wall Street, and claimed he could assist in fundraising for global health initiatives.
He acknowledged that Epstein's connections made him feel that their meetings were normalized, realizing later that his association inadvertently helped Epstein enhance his reputation.
In the town hall, Gates also disclosed his affairs with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist, both of whom he met through different activities. He confirmed that 2014 marked the last year he interacted with Epstein.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019, shortly after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.