Ask Onix
Gates acknowledges Epstein meetings as 'huge mistake'
Bill Gates openly discussed his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a recent gathering with employees of the Gates Foundation, taking full responsibility for his actions, the organization confirmed.
Foundation statement confirms candid discussion
The Gates Foundation issued a statement describing the session as a routine town hall-held twice annually-where Gates fielded questions from staff. According to the foundation, Gates addressed multiple topics, including the recent release of Epstein-related files by the U.S. Department of Justice, the foundation's work in artificial intelligence, and the future of global health initiatives.
"Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail," the foundation said.
Gates details Epstein interactions
According to The Wall Street Journal, which reviewed a recording of the remarks, Gates told staff he regretted spending time with Epstein, calling it a "huge mistake." He insisted he had no involvement in Epstein's illicit activities and never encountered any victims or the women associated with Epstein.
Gates admitted to meeting Epstein in 2011, years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged being aware of an "18-month thing" that restricted Epstein's travel but said he failed to thoroughly investigate Epstein's background. Their association continued until 2014, with Gates meeting Epstein abroad but never staying overnight or visiting Epstein's private island, the Journal reported.
Gates also disclosed that Epstein had claimed connections to other billionaires and offered to help raise funds for the foundation's charitable causes.
Personal revelations and past controversies
During the meeting, Gates addressed his two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein later discovered. He denied any illicit activity, stating, "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit." Gates expressed remorse for the impact of his actions on others, saying, "I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made."
He explained that the redacted images of him with women, included in the Epstein files, were photos Epstein requested he take with his assistants after their meetings.
Gates also referenced his ex-wife Melinda French Gates' skepticism about his relationship with Epstein, noting she had expressed doubts even before their 2021 divorce. In a recent NPR podcast interview, Melinda described the renewed scrutiny of the Epstein files as a reminder of "painful times in my marriage," adding that she was relieved to be "away from all the muck."
Previous denials and foundation clarifications
In response to earlier reports, Gates has consistently denied any improper conduct related to Epstein. His spokesperson previously called claims that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection and attempted to conceal it-allegations contained in a 2013 draft email from Epstein-"absolutely absurd and completely false."
The Gates Foundation also clarified that while a few employees interacted with Epstein based on his claims of philanthropic influence, no collaboration was ever pursued, no funds were transferred to Epstein, and he was never employed by the foundation.
In a February interview with Australian outlet 9News, Gates described his interactions with Epstein as limited to dinners and said he regretted "every minute" spent with him.
