Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has officially addressed the fallout from the recent “Epstein Files” release, issuing a candid apology to employees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
In a statement later confirmed by a Foundation spokesperson, Gates admitted that his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a “huge mistake” and, for the first time, acknowledged having two extramarital affairs with Russian women that Epstein later attempted to use against him.
Key Admissions from the Town Hall
According to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Gates was candid about his past actions while firmly denying any involvement in criminal behavior:
- The Affairs: Gates admitted to two separate relationships: one with a Russian bridge player (met at a bridge tournament) and another with a Russian nuclear physicist (met through business).
- “Nothing Illicit”: He clarified that these relationships did not involve any of Epstein’s victims. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates told staff.
- The Redacted Photos: Addressing recent DOJ document releases showing him with women whose faces were blurred, Gates explained these were pictures Epstein asked him to take with his (Epstein’s) assistants after meetings. “I never spent any time with victims,” he asserted.+1
Admitting a “Huge Mistake”
Gates expressed deep regret for the reputational “cloud” his association has cast over the Foundation’s global health work:
- Background Checks: He admitted he did not “properly check” Epstein’s history, despite knowing about a prior 18-month travel restriction (Epstein’s 2008 conviction).
- Ignoring Warnings: Gates acknowledged that he continued meeting Epstein even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed severe skepticism and concern in 2013.
- Foundation Involvement: He apologized for drawing Foundation executives into meetings with Epstein, stating it was “opposite to the values of the Foundation.”
Timeline of the Recent Controversy
| Date | Event |
| Jan 30, 2026 | DOJ releases millions of “Epstein Files,” containing unverified emails and photos linking Gates to the financier. |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Gates denies a specific claim in the files regarding a hidden STD, calling the emails “false” and “defamatory.” |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Gates pulls out of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi at the last minute due to mounting public scrutiny. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Gates holds a private town hall to “take responsibility” and apologize to his global staff. |
Statement from the Foundation
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told that Gates “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions” to ensure the focus returns to the organization’s mission of global health and poverty alleviation.