Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, issued a formal apology to employees of his charitable foundation this week for his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology came during a scheduled town hall event at the Gates Foundation, where Gates addressed staff questions candidly, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Acknowledging a "Huge Mistake"
Gates reportedly admitted to first meeting Epstein in 2011, which was three years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Despite being aware of an "18-month thing" that restricted Epstein's travel and despite objections from his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, Gates continued to socialize with him. He characterized this decision as a "huge mistake" that he deeply regrets.
Denying Illicit Activities
During the town hall, Gates insisted that he "did nothing illicit" and "saw nothing illicit" in his interactions with Epstein. However, he expressed remorse for bringing foundation executives into meetings with Epstein, apologizing to those who were "drawn into this because of the mistake that I made."
Admitting to Extramarital Affairs
In a startling revelation, Gates also confessed to having affairs with two Russian women while married to French Gates. He detailed that one affair was with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events, and the other was with a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business activities. These admissions are particularly relevant as Epstein reportedly knew about the infidelities and may have used this information to threaten Gates, according to a 2023 Journal report.
Scrutiny from Epstein Documents
Gates has faced renewed scrutiny following the release of the latest Justice Department documents related to Epstein. Among these files are messages Epstein sent to himself that reference a Gates "marital dispute" and "illicit trysts." Gates denied spending any time with the victims of Epstein's sex trafficking schemes during the town hall.
Foundation's Response
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation confirmed that Gates "took responsibility for his actions" in the meeting. The spokesperson noted that this was a regular town hall event held twice a year, where Gates addressed a range of topics, including the Epstein files, the foundation's work in artificial intelligence, and global health initiatives. The foundation emphasized that Gates spoke openly and answered questions in detail, demonstrating accountability for his past decisions.
The apology marks a significant moment for the Gates Foundation, as it seeks to maintain transparency and trust among its staff and the public amidst ongoing controversies. Gates' candid admissions highlight the personal and professional repercussions of his associations, underscoring the broader impact of the Epstein scandal on high-profile figures.
