WASHINGTON, United States — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged a “huge mistake” in maintaining associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while simultaneously admitting to extramarital relationships with two Russian women during a recent internal town hall meeting at the Gates Foundation.
The revelation emerges amidst newly released U.S. Justice Department documents exposing the extensive network of prominent individuals connected to Epstein, including details of close friendships, financial transactions, and private photographic evidence. Gates appears among these documented associations.
During the foundation gathering—a recording of which was obtained by The Wall Street Journal—Gates expressed profound regret for his decision to engage with Epstein and for involving foundation executives in meetings with the disgraced financier. “It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates stated, offering apologies to those indirectly affected by his actions.
Justice Department documents include a draft email in which Epstein allegedly claimed to have assisted Gates in obtaining drugs to manage consequences of sexual encounters with Russian women and facilitating illicit meetings with married partners.
Gates confirmed two specific affairs during the meeting: “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities.” The 70-year-old philanthropist emphatically denied any awareness or participation in Epstein’s criminal activities, stating: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”
The technology pioneer revealed his association with Epstein began in 2011—three years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates acknowledged awareness of an “18-month thing” restricting Epstein’s travel but admitted to insufficient background investigation. Despite former wife Melinda Gates expressing concerns in 2013, Gates continued the relationship for at least another year.
Reflecting on current understanding, Gates told staff: “Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now it’s clear there was ongoing bad behavior.”
The Gates Foundation confirmed Gates addressed these matters during its regularly scheduled biannual town hall, noting he “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”