Bill Gates apologizes to Gates Foundation staff over ties to Jeffrey Epstein while clarifying affairs with two Russian women in the United States

Bill Gates has publicly addressed his controversial connections to Jeffrey Epstein, apologizing to staff at the Gates Foundation during a town hall meeting on Tuesday.

The Microsoft co-founder admitted to personal mistakes, including affairs with two Russian women, while insisting none of these incidents involved Epstein’s victims.

Apologies and Taking Responsibility

According to a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation, Gates “took responsibility for his actions” following a report by the Wall Street Journal.

In his town hall remarks, Gates described it as a “huge mistake” to spend time with Epstein and to involve foundation executives in meetings with the convicted sex offender.

“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 newspaper.

He emphasized that while Epstein became aware of his affairs with the Russian women, no illicit activity involving Epstein’s victims occurred.

Clarifying the Nature of His Interactions

Gates maintained that he “did nothing illicit” and “saw nothing illicit” in his dealings with Epstein.

Previously released U.S. Department of Justice documents show Gates met with Epstein multiple times after Epstein had served a prison sentence.

These discussions reportedly focused on expanding Gates’ philanthropic work.

The documents also included photographs of Gates posing with women whose identities were redacted.

Gates explained to his staff that these images were taken at Epstein’s request by Epstein’s assistants after meetings, and again stressed that he never interacted with Epstein’s victims.

Foundation Reiterates Official Position

A Gates Foundation spokesperson told reporters that the town hall allowed Gates to speak candidly and answer questions regarding the release of Epstein-related files.

The foundation emphasized that its statement reflects all it will comment on regarding the report.

Earlier this month, the foundation confirmed that it had neither made financial payments to Epstein nor employed him at any point.

Public Appearances and Professional Impact

In the wake of the renewed scrutiny, Gates withdrew from his scheduled keynote at India’s AI Impact Summit last week.

The billionaire remains active in global philanthropy, with the Gates Foundation funding major health and development initiatives worldwide since its founding in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife.

What’s Next

It is likely that media and public scrutiny will continue over Gates’ ties to Epstein, with analysts and journalists closely examining the documents and photographs that have surfaced.

Internally, the Gates Foundation appears focused on transparency and reaffirming Gates’ commitment to the organization’s mission.

Summary

Bill Gates addressed his staff over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging personal mistakes and apologizing for involving foundation executives.

He admitted to affairs with two Russian women but clarified that none involved Epstein’s victims.

The Gates Foundation confirmed no financial dealings with Epstein occurred and emphasized Gates’ responsibility during the town hall.

The incident highlights ongoing public interest in the billionaire’s interactions with controversial figures while maintaining his philanthropic commitments.