Bill Gates admits to two affairs, apologises to foundation staff over Epstein ties
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Bill Gates has apologised to staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, describing the association as a serious error.
The billionaire made the remarks during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Gates admitted that meeting Epstein and maintaining contact with him was a poor decision. He said it was a “huge mistake to spend time with him.”
The connection between both men first became public in 2019. More details have now surfaced after the release of documents by the US Department of Justice concerning Epstein.
One of the documents included an email in which Epstein alleged that Gates had a sexually transmitted infection and sought antibiotics to secretly give to his then-wife, Melinda Gates. Gates has denied the allegation.
The documents also outlined several interactions between the two men, including meetings, phone calls, and discussions related to philanthropy.
Gates also expressed regret for involving members of his foundation in meetings with Epstein. He further disclosed that he had two affairs but insisted he had no role in Epstein’s criminal activities.
“One of the women was a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and the other a Russian nuclear physicist,” he said.
“I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by the Journal.
Gates explained that he first met Epstein in 2011. He said he did not properly examine his background at the time, even though Epstein had already pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor. He added that their meetings continued until 2014 and included time spent abroad. However, he said he “never stayed overnight” or visited Epstein’s private island.
The relationship continued despite concerns raised by Melinda during their marriage. In a recent interview, she said the release of new documents brought back “painful times” and added that she was “so happy to be away from all the muck”.