Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has expressed regret over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, apologising to employees of the Gates Foundation while insisting he did nothing illegal, according to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal.
Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein was a mistake and admitted that his actions had cast a shadow over the philanthropic organisation.
Gates Admits Affairs, Says He Did Nothing Illicit
During a recent town hall meeting, Gates admitted he had two affairs with Russian women, which were later discovered by Epstein. However, he clarified that the affairs did not involve any of Epstein’s victims.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates reportedly said.
He also explained that photographs recently released in the so-called Epstein files—showing him with unidentified women—were taken at Epstein’s request after meetings with his assistants.
“To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” Gates added.
‘Huge Mistake’ to Spend Time With Epstein
Gates called his association with Epstein a “huge mistake”, admitting he should not have spent time with the disgraced financier or involved Gates Foundation executives in meetings.
“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” he said, according to the report.
He revealed that he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor. Gates admitted he failed to properly vet Epstein’s background, despite knowing there had been restrictions on Epstein’s travel.
He also continued meeting Epstein even after Melinda French Gates raised concerns in 2013, he said.
Epstein Files Spark Global Scrutiny
Gates is among several global leaders, celebrities, politicians, and tech executives named in the Epstein files, a massive release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department last month. The files include emails, call logs, interview transcripts, and photographs, some of which remain redacted.
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said Gates “spoke candidly” and took responsibility for his actions.”
Past Comments on Epstein Relationship
Gates has previously acknowledged that spending time with Epstein was a mistake.
“I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake,” Gates told The Wall Street Journal in 2025.
He also credited Melinda French Gates for being skeptical of Epstein early on