Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged personal misconduct while vehemently denying any involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities during a recent Gates Foundation staff gathering. The tech billionaire characterized his association with the convicted sex offender as a “huge mistake” that negatively impacted his philanthropic organization’s work.
Recently unsealed court documents from the U.S. Justice Department reveal Gates among numerous high-profile individuals connected to Epstein, detailing financial interactions and private photographic evidence. During the foundation’s town hall meeting—a recording of which was obtained by The Wall Street Journal—Gates expressed particular regret for involving foundation executives in meetings with Epstein.
The 70-year-old philanthropist confirmed two extramarital relationships referenced in the documents: “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.” These admissions came in response to Epstein’s alleged email claims about facilitating Gates’ “illicit trysts” and obtaining drugs.
Gates emphasized his complete dissociation from Epstein’s victimization patterns: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” His relationship with Epstein reportedly began in 2011, three years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor. Gates acknowledged awareness of travel restrictions imposed on Epstein but admitted to insufficient background research.
The foundation confirmed this discussion occurred during its regular biannual meeting, stating Gates “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.” Gates revealed that his former wife Melinda had expressed concerns about Epstein as early as 2013, yet he continued the association for at least another year—a decision he now recognizes as profoundly misguided given Epstein’s ongoing criminal behavior.