Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates reportedly addressed his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology is one of the most detailed explanations Gates has provided regarding his relationship with the disgraced financier, which has long cast a shadow over his public image as a global health advocate.
Bill Gates reportedly apologized to staff for Epstein connection
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Bill Gates used the February 24 gathering at the Gates Foundation to directly confront questions about recently released Epstein-related files. The foundation confirmed the meeting, stating in a release that “Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”
Gates reportedly acknowledged it was a “mistake” to spend time with Epstein and to bring foundation executives into meetings with him. “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates told staff, according to a recording cited by the Journal.
He also addressed two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later discovered. However, Gates maintained that these relationships were unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” he told staff, pushing back against any implication that he participated in or witnessed illegal behavior.
Gates’ apology comes amid public release of Justice Department documents from the Epstein investigation, including images showing Gates with women whose faces remain redacted (via USA Today). Gates explained these were photos Epstein requested he take with assistants following their meetings. “To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” he added, according to the report.
The Gates Foundation has maintained it never employed Epstein or made payments to him. Gates previously characterized his interactions with Epstein as limited to philanthropy discussions, though newly released documents appear to suggest a more complex relationship spanning several years following Epstein’s 2009 conviction for soliciting a minor.
