Full Breakdown
Bill Gates Addresses Epstein Ties and Admits Affairs in Foundation Town Hall
2/26/2026, 4:03:16 AM
Acknowledgment of Mistakes and Apologies
During a recent town hall meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates publicly acknowledged his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing it as a "huge mistake." Gates admitted to having two extramarital affairs with Russian women while married to Melinda French Gates, but he emphasized that these relationships did not involve Epstein's known victims. "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," he stated, reiterating his denial of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Details of the Relationship with Epstein
Gates revealed that he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged that he was aware of some restrictions on Epstein's travel due to his legal issues but admitted he did not investigate Epstein's background thoroughly. "It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein," Gates said, expressing regret for bringing foundation executives into meetings with the financier. He continued to meet with Epstein until 2014, traveling with him to various locations, including New York, Washington, Germany, and France, but he insisted he never stayed overnight at Epstein's properties or visited his private island.
Admission of Affairs
In the town hall, Gates confirmed the existence of two affairs: one with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events and another with a Russian nuclear physicist he encountered through business activities. He noted that his former science adviser, Boris Nikolic, was aware of these affairs and had informed Epstein about them. Gates emphasized that neither woman was connected to Epstein's victims, stating, "To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him."
Impact on Reputation and Foundation
Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein had negatively impacted the reputation of the Gates Foundation, which is known for its global health initiatives. "Our work is very reputational sensitive. I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us," he said. He expressed concern that his past decisions had drawn others into the fallout, apologizing to those affected by his actions.
Official Statements and Responses
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation confirmed that the town hall was a scheduled event where Gates addressed various issues, including the release of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. The spokesperson noted that Gates "spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions."
Criticism and Opposition
Gates' ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, has previously expressed her discomfort with his association with Epstein, stating that it contributed to their divorce in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. In a recent interview, she described feeling "unbelievable sadness" about her former husband's name appearing in the Epstein files, highlighting the emotional toll of the revelations.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The release of documents related to Epstein included unverified claims made by Epstein in emails, alleging that Gates sought antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection linked to his affairs. Gates has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as "absolutely absurd and completely false." The discrepancies between Gates' statements and the claims made in the Epstein files have raised questions about the extent of his involvement with the disgraced financier.
Conclusion
Bill Gates' candid acknowledgment of his past mistakes during the town hall meeting reflects a significant moment in addressing the fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. As the Gates Foundation continues its philanthropic work, the implications of Gates' admissions may influence public perception and the foundation's future collaborations.
